As winter draws closer, electric bills tend to spike to keep homes in Central Texas cozy and warm. There are several ways you can conserve energy without sacrificing warmth in your home, so we’re taking a look at several easy ways to help save money on your electric bill this winter.

Utilize A Humidifier

It’s fairly common knowledge that dry air feels cooler than slightly damp air (that’s why 100 F humid days feel worse than 100 F dry days). Running a humidifier to add a little moisture to the air in your home helps keep it feeling warmer without having to raise the thermostat.

Insulation Is Important

If heat easily escapes your home, your heating system will have to work harder all winter to keep your home at desired temperatures. The harder your heating system works, the higher your electric bill will be each month. Check that there are no gaps where air can easily escape near doors and windows, and consider proper insulation for your walls, attic, and roof if necessary.

Take Advantage Of The Sun’s Natural Heat

During the day, keep your blinds and curtains open to allow sunlight to enter your home. Even when it’s cold outside, the sun can help warm any room it shines into. Insulated drapes are a good idea for evenings in order to improve your home’s insulation around windows, which tend to leak air. If you have a larger budget, you may wish to invest in insulated glass for you windows, which further reduces the amount of warm air that escapes from your home.

Ensure That Vents Are Clean And Unrestricted

Over time, dust will accumulate in your vents so be sure to clean them out from time to time. Also be sure nothing is blocking your vents (such as furniture). This will help to allow air to flow freely and prevent pressure buildup.

Take Care Of Your Furnace

Be sure to clean your furnace regularly and to replace or clean air filters. Ensure nothing is obstructing airflow around your furnace (this can be a potential fire hazard as well).

Get A Tune-Up Once A Year

Having a professional come out to inspect and tune-up your furnace each year helps keep it running more smoothly and reduces the risk of an unexpected malfunction. Technicians can also catch small problems and repair them during a yearly service, before they snowball into larger ones, which can lead to costly repairs. Additionally, your furnace will run with better efficiency, which helps keep your energy bill down.

Following the above tips will help reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature this winter. Some of these may be a bit difficult or more time-intensive than others (namely, proper insulation), but the effort can pay for itself over time. If you would like to learn more about energy saving tips for your home, or would like to schedule a yearly maintenance tune-up, contact AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning in San Marcos, TX.