energy usage

For many homeowners, the thought of heating their home this fall is unsettling. However, even with rising energy costs; there are some ways Lansdale, PA homeowners can save money on their heating bill.

Dial Back the Hot Water

Most hot water heaters come from the factory set at 140 degrees. Since they’re on every hour of the day, this expense can add up quickly. However, you can save money and live comfortably with it set at 120 degrees. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that every 10 degrees you reduce the temperature of your water heater equals a 3 to 5 percent savings on the cost to heat your water.

Switch the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan

While most people think ceiling fans are only for cooling down in the summer, they can also help you warm your house in the fall and winter. Typically, a ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise so it can help disperse cool air around the room. However, if you set the blades to spin clockwise on a low speed, the fan will pull warm air from the ceiling and move it around the room.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you program your thermostat to lower the temperature in your house 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save anywhere from 5 to 15 percent on your yearly heating bill. Therefore, if you lower the temperature during the day while you’re at work and at night while you’re sleeping, you could see a savings of nearly 30 percent every year.

Add Moisture to the Air

Moist and humid air feels warmer and holds heat better than dry air, but the air inside your home can dry out easily during the fall. There are a few simple ways to add humidity back into the air though. Keep the bathroom door open when you shower, or purchase a humidifier to put moisture back into the air.

To make sure your home and furnace are ready for cooler fall temperatures, call the professionals at New Age Air at 610-298-0271 and schedule an appointment today.

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