Winter isn’t easy on your bank account. That’s why many homeowners battle rising energy bills as they try to heat their homes.
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort just to save money, though. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your heater this winter season.
Know Your Heater
All heaters aren’t created equal. Most homes have furnaces, heat pumps, or boilers to keep them warm. Since each system has unique characteristics and maintenance requirements, it’s helpful to understand how your heater works.
Take some time to research your particular type of heating system so you can make informed decisions about maintenance and usage.
Your heater works hard for you during the winter season. Because it sees so much use, routine maintenance is important to keep your heater running smoothly and efficiently.
Think of your heater maintenance as preventative care – just like taking your car into the shop for regular tune-ups.
Get Annual Maintenance
Speaking of maintenance, having your heater professionally serviced once a year is crucial. Preventative maintenance allows technicians to spot minor issues before they turn into bigger (and expensive) problems.
During annual maintenance, technicians will clean out parts of your heater and ensure everything is in working order.
Technicians typically recommend having annual maintenance performed in early fall. Not only will you have peace of mind, but you’ll also know your heater is working properly before you need it most. Technicians will check things like the heat exchanger, test safety controls, and measure your system’s efficiency.
Replace Air Filters
Your heater air filters may be one of the most important components to your system’s efficiency. Clogged and dirty filters make your heater work harder than it needs to, which costs you money. Check your air filters once a month and replace them when necessary.
Typically, standard filters need to be replaced every one to three months. However, if you have pets, allergies, or a larger home, you may need to change your filter more often. Clean filters allow for better airflow and improve the air quality in your home.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Believe it or not, your thermostat setting can greatly impact your heating bill. By simply lowering your thermostat by a few degrees, you could save hundreds of dollars every year. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees when you’re at home during waking hours.
Then, you can lower your thermostat when you’re asleep or away from the house. For each degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to 3% on your heating bill. Programmable thermostats make managing your thermostat a breeze. They can automatically adjust to a lower temperature during certain times of the day.
Zone Heating
Another way to manage your thermostat more efficiently is by creating zones in your home. Essentially, you’ll only heat areas of your home that you use frequently. The NHS noted that heating your entire house can be very expensive, especially if you have multiple floors that go mostly unused.
Insulate Your Home
Air leaks around windows and doors can really make your heater work harder than it needs to. Check your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. By investing in weatherstripping and caulk, you can quickly recoup that cost via energy savings.
You should also check your attic insulation. Heat rises, which means heat can escape out of your roof if your attic insulation is lacking. Adding insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to improve your heater’s efficiency.
Seal Your Basement and Crawl Spaces
Basements and crawl spaces are often forgotten when it comes to home insulation. However, if your basement or crawlspace is not sealed, you could be losing a lot of heat. Not only will this make your heater work harder, but it could make those areas of your home colder than you’d like.
Add curtains to your windows to prevent heat loss. Open curtains on windows that receive a lot of sunlight during the day. This allows natural warmth to shine through your windows and decrease the workload for your heater.
During the winter months, be sure to close curtains and blinds at night. This creates a barrier between your windows and the cold air outside. Thermal curtains are ideal for adding extra insulation to your windows.
Keep vents and registers unblocked
All of your hard work will do you no good if your vents and registers are blocked. Large furniture items, curtains, and other objects can prevent your heater from distributing air evenly throughout your home.
To ensure proper airflow, vacuum out your vents to rid yourself of built-up dust. Not only will air travel more efficiently throughout your home, but you’ll notice fewer temperature fluctuations.
Run Ceiling Fans Clockwise
Using your ceiling fan during the winter can actually help improve your heating efficiency. By running your ceiling fan clockwise, you’ll evenly distribute warm air around the room.
Most fans have a switch that will allow you to change the direction of your blades. In reverse (clockwise) mode, your blades should spin at a low speed. When heated air builds up near your ceiling, your ceiling fan will push that air back down into your room.
Upgrade Your Heater
Are you constantly battling high energy bills every winter? If your heater is over 15 years old, it might be time to consider buying a new heater. New heaters are much more efficient than older models, which means you could lower your heating bill by 20-40%.
Try to look for heaters with high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings. AFUE lets you know how much fuel is being used to effectively heat your home. A higher percentage means more efficiency! Look for units with AFUE ratings over 90%.
Real Life Case Study: How Annual Maintenance & Insulation Saved a UK Homeowner Money
Summary of a real life case study done by Energy Saving Trust (UK) about a family who improved the efficiency of their older gas boiler & seasonal energy saving measures.
The family living in Manchester, did the following..
- Got annual boiler service – a technician inspected the system, cleaned parts, and adjusted it so that it worked as efficiently as possible.
- Replaced air filters and cleaned ducts – helps with airflow and heater efficiency.
- Added more insulation to their attic and sealed any gaps around windows/doors.
- Set up their thermostat and began heating only the rooms they were using.
During the first winter season after using these tips, the family saw their heating bills decrease by 25%.
Not only did their home heat up more evenly, but their boiler also broke down less often.
Conclusion: Seasonal maintenance tips don’t take much effort and when done alongside insulation upgrades and proper controls can make a huge difference in your heater efficiency.
Link to full verified case study 👉 https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/heating/
FAQs
How often should I get my heater serviced?
Once per year by a professional. Ideally before the start of winter. Annual maintenance will keep your heater running efficiently, help you catch small problems before they become big ones, and extend the life of your equipment.
Do clean air filters really help?
Yes! When air filters get dirty, it reduces airflow and causes your heater to work harder and use more energy. Check your filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed. Bath and cigarette smokers and people with allergies and pets should change their filters more frequently.
Will turning my thermostat down save me money?
You bet. Turning your thermostat down by just 1–2°C can save you up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree of temperature you lower. Get a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat to take advantage of these savings automatically.
What is zone heating? Does it work?
Heating only the rooms you use most is called zone heating. It can save you money on heating bills by cutting back on wasted energy, especially if you live in a multi-story home or have rooms you rarely use.
How does insulation help my heater run better?
Insulation keeps heated air from escaping out of your roof, walls and floors. Heat will also escape from cracks around windows and doors. Make sure you insulate your attic, use weather stripping on windows and doors, and caulk any leaks around recessed lighting in your crawlspace or attic. Addressing these problem areas can help your heater work less.
Should I use my ceiling fans during winter?
Yes! In the winter, run your ceiling fan clockwise at a low speed. This helps move warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the room. It allows your heater to work less to keep your home at an even temperature.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my heater?
If your heater is more than 15 years old, constantly needs repairs, or doesn’t warm your home like it used to, it’s probably time to start shopping. By upgrading to an efficient high AFUE heater, you can cut your energy bill by 20–40% and enjoy increased comfort.
Final Words
Improving your heater’s efficiency doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with small steps like changing your air filter and sealing up air leaks. As you go, you can move on to bigger projects like insulation and heater replacement. Your bank account will thank you in the long run by taking steps to improve your heater’s efficiency.
