You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

Heating Your Home: 10 Energy Efficient Practices That Will Protect Your Wallet


It's fair to say that everyone wants to live in comfort, but these days, doing so can be quite expensive

Energy prices seem to constantly be on the rise. From 2021 to 2022, the average monthly electricity bill in the US went up by 13%. Constantly heating your home could set you back a bit if you're trying to stay warm this Arizona winter. 

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your home more efficient. Energy-efficient heating should keep your home warm without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we'll go over some things you can do to heat your home while keeping things cost-effective. Keep reading for more.

1. Understand Your Heating System

There are various types of heating systems available, such as gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and geothermal heat pumps. Whatever type you have, you can only get the most out of it if you understand how it works. 

You should be able to find all the information you need in the manufacturer's guide. When you know how your heater works, you'll be able to use it efficiently and keep your costs down.

2. Keep Your System Well Maintained

All heating and cooling systems degrade with time. If you want to keep yours working properly, you need to maintain it.

It's a good idea to set up a regular maintenance schedule. A technician can take a look at your system at regular intervals to check for any issues.

They'll be able to spot signs of wear and detect if any parts are close to failure. This will help you avoid any unexpected breakdowns, so you've always got warm air in your home.

3. Upgrade Your Heating System

A new heating system for your home could make a big impact. The price of different fuel sources can vary, and the size/design of your home will be a factor.

It may be beneficial for you to switch from a natural gas system and consider options like electric heaters or air source heat pumps. New home heating systems will always be more efficient than old ones too, so even if you want to stick with the same type of heat pump, a new system could be very beneficial.

4. Turn the Thermostat Down

You may keep your thermostat set to your ideal temperature, but is it higher than you need it to be? Turning it down will help you save money, and you may find that your home is still comfortable. For some, this will be a bit too much of a lifestyle adjustment, but it's worth giving it a try. 

5. Go Green

Heat energy typically consists of energy sources that are bad for the environment. One way you can reduce your heating costs, as well as your carbon footprint, is by switching to renewable energy. 

Solar power is a popular choice, and the addition of a solar battery can help with winter bills when there may not be as much sunshine. There will be residual costs from the installation, but with some time, your savings will more than make up for it. 

6. Dress for the Cold

While this won't affect the temperature in your home, it can make you feel a lot warmer. On top of warmer clothing, blankets can be a great option. Wrapping yourself in different types of fur will keep you cozy on those cold winter days and is fairly easy to do on a budget.

7. Check Your Home for Air Leaks

There may be small gaps around windows and doors that let heat out. This is more common in older properties but can happen in any home.

Look for these gaps and fill in any that you find. There's no point in having an efficient heating system if the heat is just escaping.

8. Use a Smart Thermostat

Smart technology is appearing all over the place, and it can help with the heating in your home. Smart thermostats have advanced features that can give you more control while saving you money. 

You can set your heating up to turn on and off at specific times. You can also control a smart thermostat from your phone, so there's no problem if you go out and forget to turn the heating off. 

A standard thermostat doesn't offer the same level of control. If yours is particularly old, it could also malfunction, which could cause issues with the temperature in your home.

9. Make Home Upgrades

One of the most important upgrades you can make when it comes to heat efficiency is improved insulation. This will ensure your home holds heat better when it's cold outside.

Energy-efficient windows and doors will help with this, too. These can be very expensive, however. There are options like draft excludes or window coverings that can make older doors and windows more efficient while keeping costs to a minimum.

10. Use the Sun 

If you want to keep your home warm, why not use the best source of heat we have available? The sun could shine on your home every day, but how you use it will determine how much it warms your home.

Keep curtains open when the sun is shining on windows. This will allow a lot more heat in.

When it passes, close the curtains to hold in the heat. This is easiest to do if you have a lot of south-facing windows as they'll get the most sun. 

Energy-Efficient Heating for Your Home

There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient, and many of them can be achieved on a budget. The most important factor is your heating system.

Parker & Sons provides heating and cooling services to Arizona homeowners 365 days a year. We ensure you have an energy-efficient heating system that's perfect for your home and your needs. Schedule a heating system check-up today! 

Related Reading