As winter approaches in Iowa City, homeowners are gearing up to keep their homes warm and cozy without breaking the bank. Here are five effective tips for saving on heating in Iowa City, IA while keeping your home comfortable all season long.
1. Insulate and Seal Your Home
One of the best ways to cut heating costs is by preventing heat loss. Proper insulation in your walls, attic, and floors can help keep the warm air inside, reducing the load on your heating system. Additionally, sealing any drafts around windows, doors, and even outlets can make a huge difference. Apply weatherstripping around doors and use caulk to seal cracks or gaps near windows. By preventing cold air from seeping in, you’ll make your home more efficient and comfortable while using less energy.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can lead to significant savings. When you’re home, try keeping the thermostat around 68°F, and consider dropping it a few degrees at night or when you’re away. Smart or programmable thermostats make it easy to automate these changes, adjusting the temperature based on your schedule. By setting it lower when you don’t need as much warmth, you can save a noticeable amount on your monthly bill.
3. Maintain Your Heating System
A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, using less energy to keep your home warm. Schedule an annual tune-up for your furnace, ideally before the winter season starts. During maintenance, a technician can clean and inspect the system, identify worn parts, and ensure everything is running safely and efficiently. Changing your furnace filter regularly—usually every 1-3 months during heavy use—can also improve airflow, which helps your system work better and last longer.
4. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling; they can help you stay warm in the winter, too! By setting your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed, you create an updraft that pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down from the ceiling. This simple trick helps circulate the heat throughout the room, making it feel warmer without turning up the thermostat. Make sure to reverse the fan’s direction after winter to keep air flowing optimally during warmer months.
5. Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight
Sunlight can be a free and effective way to warm up your home. During the day, open your curtains or blinds on south-facing windows to let in as much natural sunlight as possible. The sun’s rays will help heat your rooms, reducing the need for artificial heating. Just remember to close the curtains at night to add an extra layer of insulation and prevent heat loss through the windows.
Saving on heating bills in Iowa City doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. By following these simple tips—insulating and sealing your home, adjusting the thermostat, maintaining your heating system, using ceiling fans, and letting in natural sunlight—you can keep your home warm and cozy while lowering energy costs. Small changes can lead to big savings, helping you make it through the winter with a little extra in your pocket.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.