As winter temperatures in Central Texas dip, homeowners often notice a considerable uptick in utility bills. However, with the right combination of HVAC practices and simple household adjustments, you can stay comfortable without breaking the bank. In this post, I’ll share effective strategies both technical and practical that will help reduce your heating expenses while ensuring your family’s comfort through the colder months.
Seal and Insulate to Prevent Heat Loss
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Air leaks and inadequate insulation are among the leading causes of high winter heating bills.
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Apply caulking around stationary window edges and weatherstripping on doors and movable window parts to minimize drafts.
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Use inexpensive solutions such as plastic window film on older windows to further retain interior warmth.
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Prioritize insulation upgrades in attics and basements; these areas are especially susceptible to heat loss due to the “stack effect,” where warm air escapes upward.
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Don’t overlook basement windows and crawlspace access, both of which can be addressed with foam insulation or door sweeps.
Maintain and Upgrade Your Heating System
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Schedule annual inspections with a professional for your heating and air conditioning repair to detect inefficiencies or potential hazards.
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Dirty or clogged air filters force your furnace or heat pump to work harder, increasing energy use by up to 5%. Check your filter monthly and replace at least every three months.
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Consider an energy audit if you suspect your HVAC system or home as a whole could function more efficiently. Professionals can offer tailored advice for your property and climate zone.
Smart Thermostat and Temperature Management
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Installing a programmable or smart thermostat lets you schedule lower temperatures for times when your home is unoccupied or your family is asleep.
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Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower, ideally around 68°F while home, and a few degrees cooler when away can yield up to 10% savings on annual heating costs.
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A smart thermostat can also help you monitor heating schedules remotely so you never heat an empty house.
Harness Passive and Supplemental Heating
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During sunny winter days, open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to take advantage of natural solar gain. Close them at night to reduce radiant heat loss.
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Ceiling fans have a surprising winter use: set them to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This helps redistribute warm air that collects near the ceiling.
Additional Low-Cost, High-Impact Solutions
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Dress in layers and use cozy blankets indoors to feel warmer at lower thermostat settings.
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Place draft stoppers or rolled towels at the base of exterior doors.
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Schedule larger energy-consuming activities, like laundry, during off-peak hours if your utility charges higher rates during certain times.
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Look for available rebates or tax credits such as those for insulation, smart thermostats, or high-efficiency plumbing services to offset initial investments.
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If your water heater is in an unconditioned space, add an insulation blanket and insulate exposed pipes to reduce standby heat loss.
Take Action: Lower Your Winter Bills with Professional Help
If you’re looking to make meaningful improvements this winter, professional assessment and maintenance are the best first steps. AC Pros Air Conditioning & Plumbing of Austin, TX, provides comprehensive heating and air conditioning installation, routine servicing, and efficiency upgrades to help you enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective home. Book your HVAC inspection or energy audit today by calling 512-550-7422 or fill out our online form to get started. Let us help you keep your winter heating bills in check, while optimizing comfort for you and your family in Austin.