Summer Is Almost Over! 3 Actions Homeowners Should Take Now To Reduce Winter Heating Bills
For homeowners busy with work, family, and vacation plans, summer can be an extremely busy time. But as vacations wind down and the kids make plans to return to school, many homeowners are already looking ahead to the demands of winter. For those who experienced the pain of higher than average heating bills last winter, now is the perfect time to consider making some changes that will help to make their homes more efficient and reduce their 2018 heating bills.
Get a home energy audit
Wasted energy is expensive, especially in the context of the fuel used to provide heat for the home. Air loss around windows, degraded insulation, aging HVAC components, and many other issues can result in painfully high home heating bills and too much wasted energy. Homeowners who are puzzled about the cause of their high heating bills can use a home energy audit to help determine what can be done to improve the situation.
According to information provided by the United States Department of Energy, homeowners may save as much as thirty percent of their total energy bill by making efficiency upgrades based on the finding of an energy audit. Many utility providers offer energy assessments as a service to their customers or can refer them to professional services who perform these audits.
Utilize additional heat sources
Homes that are equipped with fireplaces or wood stoves may be able to cut their home heating bills by utilizing these heat sources during the coldest part of winter. Before making a decision to use this type of additional heat source, however, homeowners should always make sure that flues, chimneys, and freestanding wood stoves are certified safe for use by a reputable professional. In addition, homeowners will need to discuss the intended usage with their insurance agent, to ensure that their current insurance policy provides proper coverage.
Evaluate current HVAC components
HVAC components have changed dramatically in just the last decade, so it makes sense for homeowners to have their current system evaluated for efficiency, even if it is operating correctly. In many cases, upgrading to a more fuel-efficient furnace makes financial sense due to the amount of potential savings that can be expected each month.
To learn more about higher efficiency furnace options, as well as scheduling pre-season maintenance for your home's heating system, contact a reputable HVAC contractor in your area. Doing so just might leave more green in your wallet while giving your family more comfort during the long, cold winter to come. You can also visit websites like http://www.accontractorspringfieldmo.com/.
