Lower Your Heating Bills: Efficiency Tips That Work

Heating accounts for a significant portion of winter energy bills. Here are practical ways to reduce costs while staying comfortable.

Thermostat Strategies

Setback Temperatures - Lower temperature when away or sleeping - Each degree lower saves 1-3% on heating costs - Recommended: 68 degrees when home, 60-62 degrees when away/sleeping

Programmable or Smart Thermostats - Automatically adjust based on schedule - Smart models learn your preferences - Can save 10-15% on heating costs

Avoid Extreme Adjustments - Turning heat very high does not warm house faster - Causes overshoot and wasted energy - Consistent settings are more efficient

Maintenance for Efficiency

Clean or Replace Filters - Dirty filters make systems work harder - Can increase energy use by 5-15% - Check monthly, replace as needed

Annual Professional Tune-Up - Ensures system runs at peak efficiency - Catches problems before they waste energy - Worth the investment in energy savings

Seal Duct Leaks - Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of heated air - Especially important if ducts are in unconditioned spaces - Professional duct sealing provides best results

Home Improvements

Seal Air Leaks **Common leak locations:** - Around doors and windows - Where utilities enter the house - Attic hatches - Fireplace dampers - Electrical outlets on exterior walls

**Solutions:**

• Weatherstripping
• Caulk
• Spray foam
• Door sweeps

Improve Insulation **Priority areas:** - Attic (most heat loss occurs here) - Walls (if possible) - Basement/crawlspace

**Impact:**

• Proper insulation can significantly reduce heating needs
• Often provides quick payback
• May qualify for rebates

Window Improvements - Add storm windows - Use heavy curtains - Install window film - Consider replacement if very old

Habits That Save Energy

Use the Sun - Open south-facing curtains during day - Close curtains at night to retain heat - Free solar heating!

Zone Heating - Close vents in unused rooms (but not too many) - Focus heat where you spend time - Use space heaters sparingly and safely

Reduce Hot Water Use - Lower water heater to 120 degrees - Fix dripping faucets - Use low-flow fixtures

Bay Area Specific Tips

Our climate offers efficiency advantages:

• Mild temperatures mean less heating needed
• Solar gain through windows is significant
• Night setbacks work well in our climate

Take advantage of:

• Sunny winter days for passive heating
• Moderate overnight temperatures
• PG&E rebate programs for efficiency upgrades