HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HEATING BILL

Now that summer is over it is time to start preparing for winter. Although there is still some time until winter begins, starting earlier means there being no chance of being caught off-guard by unexpected changes in temperature. Furthermore, it also means more time to implement more long-term improvements, which can mean even better performance as well as an even smaller power bill.

Here are both short-term and long-term methods that can be used to save on heating costs:

• Regular care and maintenance are essential to ensure that heating systems provide the best performance possible while using as little power as possible. For example, heating systems can become obstructed with the build-up of dirt and other debris, which causes them to use more power to heat the same amount of space. Fortunately, this problem can be solved by cleaning the ducts of the heating system, thus ensuring an unimpeded flow of heated air. With regular care and maintenance, homeowners can make sure that this and other issues are resolved sooner rather than later, thus keeping their heating bills small.
• On the same note, care and maintenance are also important because of their role in preventing breakdowns. Like other parts of the home, heating systems do not last forever, meaning that their components can start to break down with sufficient use. Regular care and maintenance ensure that these issues are caught and corrected by HVAC technicians before they can turn into serious problems. Although this means some spending now, it also means preventing much lengthier and much more expensive repairs should the heating system break down.
• Good insulation means that the home will have an easier time keeping cool in summer and warm in winter, meaning smaller cooling bills and heating bills in the respective seasons. There are all sorts of methods that can be used to improve a home's insulation. For example, window awnings installed at the right angle can keep sunlight out in summer but let it through in winter. Similarly, other window treatments can improve the insulation of the window, which is particularly useful because the doors and the windows have some of the poorest insulation in an average home.
• For homeowners who are willing to make bigger and even more extensive changes, there is even the option of changing the material in their walls for superior insulation from the elements. Of course, they should also check their attics for leaks since those can make even the best insulation useless.
• Programmable thermostats are useful for maintaining a comfortable living environment while minimizing unnecessary power consumption. With such devices, homeowners can turn down their temperatures while they are not at home but still come home to comfortable temperatures by programming their thermostats to turn up the heat about 20 minutes before they are due to arrive.

These are no more than a small number of the measures that can be used to improve a home's insulation. Those interested in learning more should not hesitate to contact a skilled and reliable contractor for more information. The uniqueness of each home means that it needs a unique set of solutions to its power consumption problems.