Five Hot Tips to Cool Costs

Here’s a chilly forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Home heating bills will likely be higher this winter compared to last winter. While temperatures are expected to be comparable to years past, the anticipated increase is due to higher prices for heating fuels—according to the EIA’s Winter Fuels Outlook.

If you heat your home with natural gas, expect to spend roughly $30 more (5%+) this winter compared to last winter, according to the report. That’s compared to a $36 increase (3%+) in electricity and $269 increase (20%+) for heating oil. For propane users, the EIA expects households in the Midwest to spend an average of $24 less this winter.

Regardless of the cost of heating fuels, Dubson Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration shares the following Five Hot Tips to Cool Costs this fall and winter:

1. Before you turn up the heat, layer on the clothing. When you accessorize your wardrobe with warm styles, you can keep more money in your pocket. And, remember, keep your toes toasty by wearing socks!
2. Dial down your thermostat while you’re away from home or catching some ZZZs. For every one degree lowered over an eight-hour period, you can reduce your heating bill by one percent—according to Focus on Energy. Think of your savings when you dial your thermostat down by five or ten degrees!
3. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. The device will not only learn your energy usage and advise you on efficiency, you can adjust the temperature in your home through an app on your mobile device. To explore more benefits of a Smart Thermostat as shared by Ameren Illinois, read the A Smart Gift article.
4. Humidify your home by putting moisture back into the air. This will help warm up your home by retaining heat more easily. Not to mention it will help prevent the negative effects of cold, dry hair, like nosebleeds and dry skin.
5. Schedule a tune-up to stay toasty. In an hour or less, a service technician will thoroughly examine your furnace for common mishaps, like dirty air filters, leaks and blockages as well as mechanical and electronic issues.

Don’t get burned by the costs of heating your home. To schedule your fall and winter tune-up and for more Hot Tips to Cool Costs, call Dubson Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration at 217.762.8151 or visit DubsonHVAC.com today!

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