With the change in weather there is change in your heating bill, and who doesn’t want to reduce their heating bill. If you’ve ever compared your heating bill from Spring and Summer to Winter you’ll notice the huge jump and likely swallow hard! Here are some trick to reduce your heating bill this winter.

With cold days heading our way the thermostat will reluctantly start to crank up and the fireplace will go on in efforts to stay warm, particularly in the Okanagan where we get cold winters.

Every homeowner wants to enjoy the warmth of their home while still managing to save money on heating bills and here are some tricks to help you out:

1. Reduce heating bills by learning to love socks, slippers and warm mugs

If your feet get cold, your entire body starts to feel the cold. In the winter make a point of wearing wool socks around the house or fuzzy slippers. If you’re still cold wear a sweater or wrap yourself up in a blanket. Making yourself some hot tea will help you feel warm on the inside and keep your hands warm while holding the cup of hot tea.

2. Reduce heating bills by tapping into readily available heat in your house

There are lots of activities to do around the house to get warm. You can cook, do some cleaning, get in a home workout, have a warm bath or shower and keep the bathroom door open so the steam spreads into other rooms.

3. Reduce heating bill by getting a programmable thermostat

They don’t cost a lot and they allow you to adjust the heat on a schedule. That way you can lower the heat when you’re sleeping and when you’re not at a home. This helps conserve a quick of bit of energy.

4. Reduce heating bills by lowering your thermostat

If you turn your thermostat a few degrees you likely won’t notice it. However, this small change can reduce your heating bill by 5 to 10 percent.

5. Reduce heating bills by keeping windows covered when it’s dark outside.

This helps you reduce heat loss and keep cold air out, especially with older windows. During the day let the sun in.

6. Reducing heating bills by discovering air leaks

Take a candle near the windows and see if there is any air escaping your home. Fix this with low-cost caulking.

7. Reduce heating bills by keeping the heat in

When the heat is keep your windows and doors shot. Keep your ventilation fans off when you’re not using them such as the ones in your bathroom and kitchen.

8. Reduce heating bills by checking the exterior of your heating unit

Check the exterior of your heating unit. Remove any clutter from around your heat pump and makes sure the area around it is kept clean. If there are any signs of excess water around your indoor unit check your drain and pan as they may be blocked.

9. Reduce heating bills by using less hot water

Use a low flow shower head and set your washing machine to use cold water. You will end up using less hot water which will lower your heating bill.

10. Reduce heating bills by maintaining your heating unit

With proper maintenance your heating unit will run more efficiently. A1 Choice Plumbing & Drain can help you with your check-up. Both oil and electric heaters should get yearly checkups. Once thing you can do on your own is to make sure your heating system is clean. This helps with lowering heating costs.