Electricity is expensive. In fact, people in the United States paid roughly 14% more than they did in 2021 in 2022, according to Forbes. You don't want to be stuck freezing in the winter, but you also don't want to be shocked when you get your energy bill. Luckily, the top heater and boiler installation company has a few tips. Here are just eight key ways to save on heat in the winter.

1. Lower the Thermostat

This one might seem counterintuitive since the purpose of the furnace is to warm you up, right? While that's what people use it for, the higher the temperature, the harder it has to work to do its job, which will then wind up using more energy. That's going to raise your energy bill. By setting your thermostat at a reasonable temperature, you can stay warm while also saving money.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filters

No matter how long you’ve owned your furnace, it’s important that you get the filters changed routinely. Doing so will ensure the air that’s blowing into your home is clean. It'll also make sure that your furnace isn’t working harder than it should with a clogged filter. Call a local HVAC company to get your unit inspected and get your filter replaced. This can be a really important appointment, so it’s essential to hire a professional team for routine maintenance checks.

3. Seal All Drafts in Your Home

It's time for you to search around your home to see where there might be any cracks in the sealants around your windows. If there are cracks then cold air may be getting in, which will counteract the furnace’s heating. You can hire someone to carefully fill all those places so that you'll stay warm; as a result, your energy bill will be much lower. The same thing goes during the summer months and your cooling system. You can save on your energy bills all year long with this tip!

4. Open Your Curtains During the Day

It can get bright and sunny outside even in the winter months, so it’s important to have the curtains and shades open during the day to warm up your home. Doing so will make your furnace not use a ton of energy, which will then lower your bills. By opening the blinds and shades, you're going to make it warmer. Make sure you close them as the sun goes down to keep the warmth from the day’s sun inside.

5. Try a Smart Thermostat

Technology has made being a homeowner much easier over the years. You can get a smart thermostat that will regulate the furnace at certain times. Best of all, there are a lot of well-known brands that won't break your bank either. Call a local company to set up a new heating unit. They can even explain how to operate it. Once it's installed and ready to use, you can even check on it from your smartphone. You'll be happy you chose to get a smart thermostat once you see your energy bill decreasing.

6. Get Your Furnace Serviced

Having someone from a furnace service come by and ensure it's working properly right before the sweltering temperatures set in can do a lot of good. Such a professional can check everything from the filter to the heat exchanger and many other parts of the unit. If everything checks out, then you can have a smoothly running furnace while the temperatures soar outside. This can also extend the life of your unit, so it'll pay for itself. You'll pay a lot less now than if there's a major repair down the road due to your unit not being well maintained. That would be a very costly mistake.

When you find the right HVAC company in the area, then you should make sure you get your unit regularly serviced. It's important to have it inspected at least once a year, according to Bob Vila. Doing so can keep your home and family safe by ensuring the temperatures inside are comfortable. It also ensures your unit will work on the coldest days of the year.

7. Invest in the Right Heating System for Your Home

Make sure you have a furnace that is the right size for your home so it operates at its best during the winter. Make sure that you get one that is Energy Star-rated. That means it'll conserve energy at certain times, which will be good for your energy bill. Another thing you can do is get a unit that's the proper size for your home. That way, it'll use the proper amount of energy and also keep you warm. If you get a small one for a large home, then you'll be wasting energy and it won't be able to heat it fully.

8. Hire a Professional HVAC Company for Assistance

You also want to make sure you find a good heating service. You might have just moved into your area and want to find one. One reliable source could be friends and family who live near you and have the same setup as you or something similar. You could also ask any neighbors. You could even widen your search a bit and ask some co-workers. They might have some recommendations for businesses that offer their services to residents who live all over the city you reside in. It's important to do your research before hiring a local team to ensure you get high-quality services. By scrolling through both company websites and customer review sites, you can find exactly what you're looking for.

On the company webpage, see what brands of furnaces they service. Make sure that yours is there. Otherwise, you'll be wasting everyone's time if you contact them. Read the review sites to see what previous customers are saying. You can see what they do well and what they don't do well. Seeing both sides of their business can help you figure out who's the best company to hire for your needs.

Finally, contact them and find their rates. See when they're available for an appointment and make sure that their prices are transparent with no hidden fees. By getting a quote, you'll ensure their services fit within your budget. See if they offer both furnace and boiler services. By finding a boiler installation company, you can ensure you have hot water all winter long, too.

Are they being professional? Are they fully licensed? Are you satisfied with their answers? If the answer to all of these is yes, then you should schedule an appointment to ensure your home is warm while you save money during the winter. It's very important to take your time when doing this research to make sure you make the right decision. Doing so can keep your home safe all year long.

Are you looking for a qualified heat and boiler service in your area? Our team here at Martel Plumbing & Heating is here to help! Our locally-owned company has years of experience in the field to put to work for you. When you're ready to schedule an appointment, give us a call. We're always happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.