5 Ways to Lower Your Heating Costs

Everyone loves to save money on home expenses. 

With heating costs outpacing all other home energy expenses, your furnace or heat pump is the logical place to look for savings in your Pacific Northwest home. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating accounts for more energy use than any other system in your home. The DOE says It makes up about 29 percent of your heating bill.  

How can you chip away at it?

Maintenance Matters

You can begin to chip away at your heating costs by scheduling preventative maintenance. The DOE says you can save approximately 30 percent on your heating bill with a combination of maintenance, equipment upgrades, thermostat settings, and home weatherization, including insulation and air sealing.

Start with professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) assistance. You can trust the experts affiliated with Bryant Northwest to provide HVAC solutions that will keep your family safe and comfortable throughout the year.

Check out our online directory of Bryant dealers in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Northern Idaho, or Northern California

The pros at our affiliated dealers have extensive training, and they service all brands of HVAC equipment. Click on our Find A Dealer link to choose a qualified technician to repair, replace, and maintain your heating and cooling system. A Bryant dealer can offer heating options that save you money on utility bills. 

Here are some tips to help you save: 

  1. Schedule a Tune-Up
    Preventative maintenance starts with you and your system’s air filter. A dirty filter can reduce airflow and cause your heat pump or furnace to work harder, possibly shortening its useful service life. Inspect your air filter every month and replace it at least every 90 days.

    You can help maintain your heat pump by hosing off the outdoor unit with a gentle spray from a garden hose when the outdoor coil is dirty. Remove encroaching shrubs and weeds to maintain airflow.

    Leave the technical tasks to your qualified Bryant dealer, who will clean essential components, lubricate moving parts, and inspect the heat exchanger, burner, fan, electrical system, and other components in your gas furnace.

    A pro will check your heat pump’s refrigerant level and inspect its blower, coils, motor, and electrical terminals.

  2. Program Your Thermostat
    If you do not have a programmable or smart thermostat, ask a Bryant dealer to install one. You can program it to dial the temperature back when you are away from home or asleep.

    A smart thermostat automatically dials heat back based on your behavioral cues. It “learns” when you leave your house and go to bed. Lowering the temperature saves energy and saves money.

  3. Upgrade Your System
    Replace your aging standard furnace or heat pump with a high-efficiency model. It is time to upgrade if your furnace is 15 years or older or your heat pump is 10 years or older. High-efficiency heating systems include heat pumps with variable-speed compressors and multi-stage condensing furnaces. Both save money.

    A standard heat pump or furnace turns on and works at capacity, often using more energy than needed. High-efficiency systems with variable-speed or multi-stage functions adjust heating output as outdoor temperatures change.

  4. Simple Solar Tip
    Let sunlight into your home for added warmth. Open the drapes and blinds on south- and west-facing windows when the sun shines. Close them after sunset to help keep cold air out. Caulking around windows and weatherstripping doors blocks outdoor air from infiltrating your home. Adequate insulation provides further protection.

  5. Keep Cold Air Outside
    Look for areas in your home where heated air escapes and cold outdoor air enters. Close the damper in your fireplace when it is not in use. Use your stove exhaust fan when cooking, but go easy on the bathroom fan when showering. A little humidity from the shower can improve dry indoor air during winter months.  

Start Saving Money on Heating Costs

Our Bryant Northwest network includes dealers in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Northern Idaho, or California. You can find a local HVAC team by clicking on our directory link.