Six Tips to Managing Your Utility Bills This Fall

Canadian falls can be a lot colder than most people realize, especially when the weather turns on a dime. With sudden cold fronts moving in, temperatures can suddenly drop not only outside but also indoors. Some new buildings were constructed with energy conservation in mind, and if you’re lucky enough to live in an updated home, a lot of the work has already been done for you. 

But if you live in an older home, you need to be proactive to keep you and your family warm this fall. Luckily, we have a few tips that you can follow to save on your utility bills this fall.

Close the chimney

 

Your home should be hermetically sealed against the cold outdoors. Building a fire inside is a wonderful and inexpensive way to generate heat, but these gains are undone if, when a fire isn’t roaring, the damper is open and cold air rushes in through the chimney. When the fire is going, close the door to the room and trap that heat inside.

Professional plumbing

 

This might be surprising to hear, but a significant amount of heat can escape your home through utility cut-throughs in pipes, known as plumbing penetrations. If you’re confident enough to seal them yourself, go ahead. But like most people, if you’re at all unsure, hire a specialist, or invite that handy friend over. 

Smart technology

 

Modern smart home heating and cooling systems can be programmed automatically, and even remotely, to ensure your home is only warm when people are inside it. Don’t waste money heating an empty house, or rooms that are seldom used like attics, crawl spaces or spare bedrooms.

A smart thermostat can be adjusted just as you’re leaving work, ensuring that the heat only kicks in as everyone’s heading home at the end of the day.

Be sure to assess your furnace

 

It’s vitally important that you make sure your furnace is ready for the fall and winter workload. It’s much better to hire a professional HVAC company to make sure your furnace works in September rather than waiting until problems arise in January. 

Windows can be enemies, too

 

They let in the sun, but windows also let in the cold. Make sure they’re closed all the way, and make especially sure you have no drafts. You can do this by holding a match or a candle near your windows to see if the flame flickers. If it does, you may need to do some repairs. 

Turn down the temperature

 

One of the oldest tips to keep warm is still an effective one: put on a sweater! Dropping the thermostat by two or three degrees can save you as much as 10% on your heating bill. You won’t notice the temperature difference much if you dress warmly.

Hopefully, these tips are a good starting point to helping you save money on your utility bills this fall. Remember, all it takes is a few simple and inexpensive adjustments to keep you warm and comfortable.

 

Checklist created by Lightbulb Wholesaler bulk light bulbs.

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