Six Efficiency Tips For Heating Season

It has been a mild start to fall 2020 here in the Bay Area, but cooler weather is on the way – and as temperatures drop, heating bills rise. Want to keep those heating bills as manageable as possible? Try these energy saving tips.

1. Use your thermostat – A programmable thermostat makes it easy to control temperatures and reduce your energy use. When you’re asleep or not home, dial your thermostat back five to seven degrees and you could save about 7 to 10 percent on your annual heating bills.
2. Seal the deal – The average American home loses anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of its conditioned air through spaces around windows and doors, plumbing penetrations and chimneys, ductwork, and in other places throughout your home. – Simple measures like caulk, doorsweeps and weather stripping can reduce drafts and keep the air you paid to heat indoors where it belongs.
3. Add insulation – Much like weatherizing, insulation helps keep warm air in and cold air out during the fall and winter (it does the reverse in summer, making it one of the most cost-efficient investments you can make in your home comfort). Be sure your home’s attic is insulated to recommended R-values (most of California requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60).
4. Let the sunshine in – Keep curtains open in sun-facing windows to absorb solar heat during the day, then close them once the sun goes down to retain that heat. Consider installing insulated window treatments, which you can replace with light reflective ones in the spring.
5. Watch those filters – A blocked air filter can make your heating system overwork to heat your home, which will raise your bills and increase the likelihood of a heating system breakdown. Check your air filter once a month during heating season, replacing or cleaning it as needed (depending on the model).
6. Swap electric appliances for propane models – Propane’s combination of high energy output, clean burning performance and super-efficient, long-lasting equipment mean that propane appliances will save you money every time you run them. Convert or switch from electric to propane appliances and it will really pay off in the long run – for you and for the planet.

Thinking about installing propane appliances in your Bay Area home? We can help. Contact Allied Propane today to learn more about high efficiency propane installations in northern California!