Winter is on the way yet again, and since energy costs are as high as ever, chances are you’ll be paying a lot to heat your home this year. If the prospect of high winter heating bills gives you the shivers, you should know that there are simple things you can to help keep them in check.

Of course, there are all the obvious things, such as weatherstripping drafty doors and windows, using storm windows or plastic to reinforce older, single-pane windows, and adding insulation between your living space and the attic, and if you haven’t done them, you should. However, here are a few tips that can trim high winter heating bills that aren’t so well known:

• Add humidity to dry winter air – Did you know that moist air makes people feel warmer? With proper humidity levels – between 30 and 50 percent – you can turn down the thermostat without compromising comfort.
• Stop cold that creeps in from below – We all know that heat rises; that’s why we insulate the attic. However, many people don’t realize that cold sinks, lingering in low places, and that cold air in the basement can contribute to high winter heating bills. Insulating the basement or crawlspace to keep cold air out is just as important as preventing heat loss  with attic insulation.
• Use ceiling fans – A ceiling fan, running slowly in reverse (clockwise), can lighten the load on your furnace by recirculating warm air that collects at ceiling level.
• Rearrange your furniture – Poorly placed furniture can contribute to high winter heating bills. Furniture that blocks heating vents or baseboard heating impedes heat circulation, making your furnace work harder. Beds or seating placed against exterior walls will give you a chill, tempting you to turn up the heat.

Last but not least, a poorly maintained furnace uses more energy, so have your system serviced every year. For more tips on lowering high winter heating bills, please contact Powers Heating and Air. Our highly trained and certified HVAC professionals take pride in providing expert service to homeowners in and around Peachtree City.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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