With the unfriendly combination of freezing outdoor temperatures and a blustery snow this winter, you may have been dreading the gas or heating oil bills that have been coming your way. We get it! Home heating is a significant expense — 35% to 50% of many homes’ energy costs. But heat isn’t an optional household expenditure or a luxury. In a winter like the one we’ve experienced, it safeguards your family’s well-being.
So, how can you lower your heat-related costs this winter without compromising the safety and comfort of your household? Here are seven simple ways:
Small temperature changes can add up to meaningful savings. Lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for about eight hours a day (such as overnight or while you’re out) can reduce heating costs by up to 10%. A programmable thermostat makes this easy, automatically adjusting temperatures so you stay comfortable without wasting energy when you don’t need it.
If you’d rather not manage temperature schedules yourself, a smart thermostat can take over. These devices learn your routine, optimize heating cycles and allow remote control from your phone. Over time, many homeowners see energy savings of around 8% annually.
For furnace systems, a clean air filter is one of the simplest ways to improve efficiency and save money. Check your filter monthly during the heating season and replace it as needed. Proper airflow helps your system run smoothly, reduces energy consumption and improves your indoor air quality.
If your home relies on a boiler, periodic flushing helps remove sediment that can build up inside the system. This buildup can reduce efficiency and strain components over time. While some homeowners handle this themselves, many prefer to have a professional technician perform the service safely and thoroughly.
Drafts around doors, windows and other openings allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping is a simple, low-cost upgrade that can significantly reduce heat loss. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, improving your home’s air sealing can cut heating and cooling costs by 15–20%.
In winter, set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and redistributes it throughout the room, helping your home feel warmer without increasing your heating system’s workload.
On bright winter days, open curtains and blinds on sun-facing windows to capture free solar heat. Even modest sunlight can reduce how often your heating system needs to run.
Professional maintenance is one of the most effective ways to improve efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. An annual tune-up helps your furnace or boiler run more efficiently, reduces fuel consumption, and extends equipment life.
The JW Pierson team is ready to keep your system performing at its best. Contact us today to schedule your heating service and start saving energy with confidence. We proudly serve households in Nutley, Belleville, Wayne and other Northern New Jersey communities!