Winter heating bills are the worst ever
Heating bills in the winter are the worst ever, as all wallets are exposed to the pinch of the cold, whether what is keeping you warm is gas, electricity, or oil. Fortunately, you can save a few dollars by using energy efficiently and eliminating any waste of heat.
- Set the water heater to 50°C.
Set the thermostat on your water heater, and leave your normal heating as is. Systems are usually set at 60°C, while they work well at 50°C. You can wash clothes in cold or warm water, but not hot, so you can see the difference in energy consumption as well.
- Replace and/and clean the air filters
Cleaning or replacing dirty air filters helps save energy used by your heating system.
- Insulate the water heater
Simply by purchasing an insulating cover for the water heater worth $15-20, your savings will increase as the temperature decreases. Insulation helps maintain the water temperature, so the system will not need to constantly heat the water in the tank.
- Turn down the heat when outside
Keep the temperature inside around 15°C when you're outside. This helps keep the pipes warm enough not to freeze while not heating an empty space where no one is home.
- Prepare your home for winter
Use insulation and fillers to eliminate any airflow around windows and doors. You can get a draft seal that can be used on all exterior doors for a few dollars at your local home goods store. It is essential to have a specialist inspect your insulation system, especially in tight spaces and attics.