Reduce Your Electric Bill

Heating and cooling your living space can be a huge, costly hassle. Plus, winter is still in full swing, so that means Chicago is colder than ever. We get it: low temperatures, even lower morale. However, cranking up the heat often means excessively high electric bills that make for a tough pill to swallow. We have some simple hacks that can help save you money on your electric bill without compromising your comfort. Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but doing a once-over on your house could make a big difference for the remainder of the season.

1. Replace worn/missing weatherstripping

Drafts and cold air can easily sneak through the cracks, causing a loss of 7-12 percent of your home’s heat. Weatherstripping should be replaced every few years, so make sure yours are up-to-date.

2. Adjust door thresholds

Pro-tip: if you can see sunlight underneath your door, you’re losing money. Use the screws on your threshold to adjust the height as low as possible without dragging. The less air to escape, the better.

3. Eliminate drafts around electrical boxes & pipes

Electrical boxes and pipelines can be extremely drafty because the insulation isn’t always installed properly. If there are large gaps around an electrical box, foam sealant is best, followed by a foam gasket over the outlet. Gaskets cost only $1.10 for a two-pack and it’s a small price to pay for years of increased insulation. For pipes, expanding foam works best.

4. Plastic film wherever necessary

Windows account for 25 percent of heat loss in homes, making it crucial to seal them wherever possible. Plastic film placed tightly along window and doorframe edges is an inexpensive and unobtrusive way to save as much as 14% on your heating bill.

5. Upgrade your thermostat

Get used to turning your thermostat down 10-15 degrees when you’re going to be gone from your house longer than eight hours a day. Investing in a program like the Trane XL1050 Thermostat may also be worth it in the long run. It learns your schedule and adjusts itself accordingly, plus you can change the temperature with the app on your phone.

6. Utilize the sunshine

Yes, there is still sunshine to be utilized even when it’s bitter cold outside. Utilizing Mother Nature can make your heating and cooling process much easier. Keep your curtains open during the day, especially windows facing south, to take advantage of the heat. At night, close your curtains to act as a protective barrier against the cold.

7. Gas fireplace and furnace tune-up

This will likely require an up-front cost, but it’s well worth the money spent in order to save money in the long run. Have your fireplace inspected to double check that it’s running smoothly. In return, you’ll likely gain peace of mind knowing there’s no carbon monoxide leaks. You’ll also notice a larger flame that more efficiently heats the room.

Cold temperatures can sneak up on you and your electric bill. If you have questions or concerns about heating and cooling your living space, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We take pride in our business and aim to improve energy efficiency whenever possible.

Call Blue Frost Heating and Cooling St. Charles

Whether you need a maintenance tune up, repair, replacement or any heating or cooling service, Blue Frost Heating and Cooling is the company to call. We offer free in-home estimates. Our Trane Comfort Specialists will provide you with expert recommendations on improving energy efficiency levels, indoor air quality, heating, cooling and water heater replacements. Blue Frost Heating & Cooling will offer the best HVAC products on the market, and we are always ready and able to help.

At Blue Frost Heating & Cooling, we’ve remained the best HVAC company in the area since 1973 because we work hard, work well, hire the best staff in the area, and offer a broad array of services at an affordable price. Most importantly, we truly believe in our motto, your comfort and safety is our business. To learn more about what we do, browse around our website bluefrosthvac.com Call 630-444-0860 or email [email protected] to schedule today. We offer 24/7 emergency service.

Courtesy of : Popular Mechanics