How to Stay Cozy Without Raising Your Heating Bill This Winter

Winter on the Kitsap Peninsula is typically less severe than in other parts of the country, but with our chilly days and nippy nights, we still expect our Port Orchard, homes to be warm and toasty.

That comfort comes with a price.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average U.S. household heating with natural gas can expect a 1 percent increase in fuel bills this winter. Those heating with electricity may see a 2 percent increase.

At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we want to help you bring down the cost of winter heating without skimping on comfort. We have compiled a list of practical tips and professional services to help you stay comfortable in your Northwest Washington home while reining in and even lowering energy bills.

Our pros at Dana’s Heating & Cooling can optimize your heating system, making it more energy efficient. The less energy your system uses, the lower your heating costs are.

How Efficient Is My HVAC System?

Have you ever owned a vehicle that gets lousy gas mileage? The engine sounded rough, and it took forever to speed up.

Your car probably needed a good tune-up—the same goes for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Annual tune-ups are one way to extend the service life of your equipment. Here is how to increase efficiency:

• Heating System Tune-Up: Annual maintenanceon your furnace or heat pump can improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood that it will need repairs this winter. During a maintenance visit, our technicians perform a thorough safety and performance inspection and identify potential issues before they become costly repairs.
  
• Cleaning, replacing worn parts, and calibrating the thermostat ensure your system operates at peak efficiency.

• Install a Smart Thermostat: You can save money on heating by lowering the temperature when you are not at home or are snug in bed. A programmable thermostat responds to temperature changes you schedule, while a smart thermostat learns your heating habits and adjusts itself. Both types can lower your heating bills.

• Seal Ductwork: You want the warm air from your furnace or heat pump delivered to your living space. You do not want it to escape through leaks in your ductwork.
  
• Our qualified technicians at Dana’s Heating & Cooling can ensure your heat goes where you want it to go by closing holes and cracks in your air ducts. Sealing leaky ducts can improve your system’s performance and lower heating costs.

DIY Steps to Cut Heating Costs

• Weatherstrip and Caulk: Seal gaps around doors and windows. A drafty house makes you feel colder and makes your furnace or heat pump work harder. Consider installing plastic sheeting over drafty windows. You can buy window insulation kits at hardware and home improvement stores.

• Window Coverings: Close drapes and blinds at night and open them during the day, especially on sunny, south-facing windows. Thermal curtains provide added insulation.

• Vents: Move obstructions, such as furniture and drapery, away from air vents. Adjust the louvers in your vents to optimize airflow.

• Insulation: Is your home adequately insulated? Add insulation, especially to the attic and between walls. Insulation can help your home retain heat and reduce energy consumption, lowering heating costs.
  
• Consult a professional about the amount and type of insulation that best suits your Port Orchard, home.

• Fireplace: Clean and maintain your fireplace. Install glass doors to prevent heat loss and a blower system that moves the warm air from your fireplace to your living space.

• Clothing: By layering clothing, you may be able to lower the temperature a few degrees while you are at home. Wool sweaters, thick socks, and thermal underwear can keep you warm in a lower thermostat setting. Top off your cozy ensemble with a fleece blanket.

New Heating System, Big Paybacks

If your heat pump or furnace is over 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient model. As heating systems age, they lose efficiency, use more energy, and may need frequent repairs.

Tune-ups can help improve performance but cannot make a 20-year-old heat pump run as efficiently as it did when it was new.

New Systems, like the American Standard AccuComfort™ Platinum 20 Variable Speed Heat Pump, are efficient and offer multi-stage heating and cooling. This top-of-the-line heat pump maximizes comfort at a lower operating cost.

You do not have to install the most expensive system to save on heating costs. The American Standard two-stage Gold 17 Heat Pump can save up to 56 percent on energy use.

American Standard gas furnaces save on energy even with the minimum annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80. Its Platinum 80 furnace converts up to 80 percent of the fuel it uses into heat for your home.

Now is a great time to upgrade: you can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pumps and $600 on qualifying furnaces. Our team at Dana’s will also help with available rebates.

At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we are proud to offer American Standard heat pumps and furnaces. Browse our selection of American Standard products online.

Call the Experts for Your HVAC Needs

Ready to save money while staying cozy in your Port Orchard, home this winter? Start by scheduling a tune-up for your furnace or heat pump with us at Dana’s Heating & Cooling. Call us at 360-226-7369 or request service online.