| There are many things to do before the fall and | | | | homes that were built prior to 1980 were not |
| winter heating seasons. Getting your heating and air | | | | insulated properly. By just adding insulation to the |
| conditioning systems looked at is as easy as calling | | | | attic the energy bill may be reduced by up to 30%. |
| your local HVAC contractor. It's always a good idea | | | | One can also do what is called a home energy bill |
| to schedule that yearly maintenance service call | | | | audit. What this consists of is having an inspector |
| before the weather gets cold. | | | | come out and check windows, doors, attics, and |
| By scheduling prior to arrival of cooler weather you'll | | | | other places where energy could be wasted. This is |
| avoid the rush and not have to worry about | | | | relatively inexpensive, but can provide plenty of ideas |
| something going wrong with your system before its | | | | on what to do to lower energy bills. This audit will |
| appointment. This important step can also guarantee | | | | only cost the homeowner around $30.00 but could |
| that your furnace won't develop any problems that | | | | save hundreds of dollars every year by finding any |
| may cause it to fail prematurely. All the critical parts | | | | draft spots and heating hazards. These inspectors |
| will be checked simply by contacting your heating | | | | are normally state certified and very knowledgeable |
| contractor. The contractor will also replace the filters | | | | about ways to save money. |
| in the furnace to guarantee the proper air flow | | | | Here's an idea that can save you a fair bit of money. |
| through your system. If the filter is clogged the | | | | As time goes by thermostats begin to lose their |
| furnace will not be able to breathe properly and the | | | | accuracy. So replacing them can save lots of money. |
| unit will not run efficiently. | | | | By keeping that old thermostat, one can have the |
| Another important pre-season thing to do is to make | | | | furnace run extra due to just a degree loss in the |
| sure you seal off any sources of drafts. Drafts are | | | | accuracy. So while the heating contractor is there get |
| essentially sources of heat loss, so it is important to | | | | them to replace that old thermostat. Make sure to |
| seal them up as completely as possible. Significant | | | | get one that automatically adjusts the temperature |
| drafts cause the furnace to run on overdrive and can | | | | at different times of day. |
| easily double one's energy bill. Windows are the main | | | | These are just a few of the many ideas to save |
| enemy when it comes to heat loss, so when the | | | | precious money on your energy bill. It is always a |
| heating contractor is there, ask their advice on draft | | | | good idea to take an extra few days just before the |
| prevention and sealing. This may be a job you can do | | | | fall and winter heating season to do any simple |
| yourself. | | | | repairs that you can accomplish yourself. That is one |
| Another thing you might want to do is consider | | | | of the best ways to save on your heating bill and |
| adding insulation to the attic. The attic is another | | | | increase the comfort level within your home. When it |
| major culprit when it comes to wasting heat in the | | | | comes to your heating system, don't assume it's |
| winter and cool air in the summer. Contact an HVAC | | | | efficient, just call in a professional heating contractor |
| contractor to arrange for insulation to be added. Most | | | | and get it looked at. |