Home » About Us » Blog » Save On Energy In Your Propane-Heated Home This Winter
Save On Energy In Your Propane-Heated Home This Winter
Written on: November 16, 2020
There’s no denying it now: winter is on the way. Temperatures are dropping and we’re turning up the heat. Here’s the upside: Keeping your western New York home warm—even in the coldest months—doesn’t have to result in a big jump for your heating bill. Try these tips for lowering heating costs in your propane-heated home this winter.
Schedule a tune-up for your propane furnace or propane boiler. Annual tune-ups are incredibly important. They ensure that your system is working as efficiently as possible so you get maximum comfort for the best price possible. A tune-up will also give your technician a heads up about any longer-term issues that may need to be addressed. Ask us about our Total Coverage Plan, which includes an annual 12-point tune-up and more!
Seal any drafts throughout your home. Do you feel a little whoosh of cold every time you walk by a certain window or door? If you can feel it, so can your propane-fueled heating system. The good news is that most drafts are easily fixed with some weather stripping and caulk. We also recommend sealing cracks in any exterior walls. This will help reduce the amount of effort your system has to make to work effectively.
Be proactive about air filter replacements. If your propane-fueled system has a replaceable air filter, make a note on your calendar to switch it out every three months—at least. A clogged air filter means your system is working too hard to keep your home warm. If anyone in your home has allergies or if you have furry pets, we recommend replacing the air filter monthly.
Lower the settings on your water heater. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating makes up about 18% of your home’s energy usage. If you set the temperature to lower than 120° F, you could see your bills drop drastically—sometimes by hundreds of dollars in a season. A lowered maximum water temperature will also decrease the likelihood of anyone in your home getting scalded.
If you’ll be away for an extended period of time or if this is for a second-home water heater, set it to the lowest setting (or “Vacation,” if that’s an option) so your system isn’t working too hard when it’s not in use.
Put a “smart” thermostat to work. If you have a programmable thermostat, be sure to put it to good use this winter. And if you don’t have one, we recommend that you get one soon. With a programmable thermostat, you can manage the temperature remotely or set it to change at predetermined times. In fact, if you lower the temperature in your home by seven to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day over an extended period of time, you could see your bill drop by about 10%! If you’d like more information about programmable thermostats, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
There’s no denying it now: winter is on the way. Temperatures are dropping and we’re turning up the heat. Here’s the upside: Keeping your western New York home warm—even in the coldest months—doesn’t have to result in a big jump for your heating bill. Try these tips for lowering heating costs in your propane-heated home this winter.