How to Lower Your Heating Bills in the Bay Area this Winter

January 02, 2015

The colder temperatures in winter usually equate to high heating bills. Can you find ways to keep your home warm without escalating your energy cost so much? Yes! Contra Costa Heating & AC has some advice for you to help keep your home comfortable and your heating bills lower.

Use these tips to help boost your energy efficiency and help reduce your heating bills this winter:

  • Use sunny days in the Bay Area to help heat your home naturally. Pull back the curtains and open the blinds to let the sun give your furnace a little [[help|boost|break]14.
  • Keep the cold air from leaking in. Seal your windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
  • The more you can control the temperature in your home, the more you can manage your energy usage. A programmable thermostat will get the job done and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Clogged, dirty furnace filters make your furnace work more and reduce your energy efficiency. Clean or replace them every three months.
  • Do a quick inspection of your home. Are any vents or cold air returns covered? Remove anything that’s blocking them for better airflow and efficiency.
  • If your furnace is more than 15 years old, start researching a new energy-efficient model. This could save you the cost of emergency repairs and will help lower your energy bills for years to come.
  • Heat rises. Don’t let your heat rise so far and sneak out through the attic. Make sure it’s well insulated to keep warm air where you need it.
  • Did you know heat can escape through your roof? Inspect it for loose or missing shingles and holes or areas that need to be sealed.

It may seem like managing your home’s energy efficiency is a lot of work, but with these tips, it should be a little easier. If you’re looking for more ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, give us a call at 510-343-9841. We’ll help you keep your home comfortable throughout the year, even in the harshest the Bay Area weather.