Heaters and coolers make up 70% of energy consumed in our homes so if you are conscious enough and know how to maximize your appliances, you can definitely lower down your energy charges. This article shares five practical tips on using your heater in the most cost effective way. These tips are very easy to follow, although often neglected because most of the time we get so caught up with our daily activities. So take some time to learn these simple steps and you’re on your way to conserving a good amount of heating energy.
1. Find the Energy Source That is Cheapest
If you want to replace your old heater or are still planning to buy one, do a little research first on what kind of energy is cheapest in your locale. Most places use electricity as the main power source so most likely, fuel or gas-powered equipment maybe expensive and impractical to maintain. However, there are locations where using gas is the most inexpensive way to heat up. Therefore, it is important to know which of these two options are cheapest for you to have. When you have decided, you’re off to a good start.
2. Maximize the Thermostat
The thermostat allows you to regulate the heat that’s coming out of the heater so make sure that you are well-acquainted with it. Install a timer on your heater’s thermostat so that you can program it to have appropriate temperatures during the day and night; you can set the timer to be at 70 degrees during daytime and 50 degrees during nighttime. Try to maintain these settings and if you get really cold, you can always wear a jacket or sweater at home to keep warm. In this way, you won’t have to increase the temperature of your heater every now and then if it’s really not necessary. And during spring and fall, turn off your heater if a warm clothing can do the supplementation.
You also have to bear in mind that inconsistencies in temperature will affect the thermostat’s performance, so be sure to position your thermostat in a not so cold and not so hot area in your house.
3. Check Your Windows, Doors, and Insulation
Be always prepared for the cold season and have storm doors and windows installed in your home. These will ensure that the heat from your heater will be kept inside and will not be blown away. But never forget the power of the sun; roll up the long curtains and trim the branches of your trees in the winter to let the sunshine in. Nothing beats the sun’s heat so take advantage of it during the winter. You can always grow those branches again in time for summer.
Your windows should be kept closed in winter but be sure to “open up” your house sometimes to set dusts and pollutants free. Repair and seal all cracks and holes in the roof, walls, windows, and doors especially in the attic and basement areas. Insulation is most needed in frequently visited and unheated areas of the home such as the attic and basement. Badly insulated floors in these rooms are actually big factors why heat is driven away, far worse than having cracked doors and windows.
4. Keep Your Heater in Excellent Shape
Before the cold months come, be sure to check if your heater is in good condition. Do some general checkup on it to see if the parts are still working or not. Keep the air filters clean and unobstructed because this can actually save a lot on your heating costs.
5. Inquire From Your Electric Company
Ask your electricity provider if there are peak and off-peak hours in determining electricity rates. If there is, highly power consuming appliances such as the washing machine can be scheduled for use during off-peak hours only. Imagine how much savings this can do too. Take some time to inquire from your electric company for more tips on conserving energy. If you get lucky, you could even have their personnel to inspect your house and recommend more ways to reduce your energy bills.
You see, it only takes a proactive effort to significantly minimize your heating expenses and maximize the use of your heater. Just make sure that you are able to choose the heater that meets all your heating requirements. Consider having an infrared heater; this innovation in infrared technology paves the way to one of the most efficient heating mechanisms of today.
