When the temperature gets low, your energy bill gets high. That’s because you spend more time indoors during the winter. And we don’t blame you—it can get pretty cold here in Ohio.
But as luck would have it, you can learn several tricks to reduce your energy spending this season. Wouldn’t it be nice to have extra cash for gift shopping in Medina?
Your air conditioner is hibernating. Now, your heating unit takes up a big share of your energy bill—be it a furnace, heat pump, or boiler. Remember to schedule seasonal maintenance to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
Additionally, consider a replacement if your unit is 10 or more years old. Thanks to newer innovations and regulations, modern gas furnaces burn at up to 97 percent efficiency, according to Consumer Reports. Investing in a replacement will lower your energy bills significantly. Plus, it’s an exciting holiday present to receive (for adults, at least).
The same goes for your water heater. Make sure it’s properly serviced, and don’t hesitate to order a replacement if it’s time.
Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical wishes you and your family a joyous winter. Our team has compiled helpful ways to help you save during the cold months.
- Break Out the Comforters and Warm Clothes
Looking for an excuse to wear your snowman sweater more frequently? Keep your home at 68 degrees Fahrenheit and dress in layers to save. When night falls, you can lower the temperature and rely on comforters to keep you warm. Many homeowners find the warm and cool contrast ideal for restful sleep.
- Invest in Window Insulation
Is air escaping through the cracks in your window frames? Drafty windows make your heater work longer and harder. This loss of energy adds up significantly at the end of each month. To remedy this issue, cover your windows with polycarbonate sheeting or drape them with thick curtains. Your home will feel more evenly heated, and you’ll save big.
- Turn Off Heat While You’re Away
When your home is unoccupied, it makes sense to turn down the heat. Adjust your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees. However, keep in mind subfreezing temperatures—you don’t want your pipes to freeze.
Did you already leave and forget to adjust the temperature? Avoid this dilemma with a programmable thermostat, another great gift for energy-conscious friends and family members.
- Replace Your Furnace Filter Regularly
If you have a furnace, remember to change your filter once a month. Once it becomes plugged with dust and debris, it can cause airflow problems that overwork your equipment. A clogged filter can be a significant energy drain. Dirty filters are also probably the most common contributing factor for breakdowns. For a stress-free holiday season, keep a clean filter in your furnace at all times.
- Insulate Your Attic
If your attic is insulated, your home will stay warm longer with fewer heat cycles. If your attic is drafty, heat will escape, and you’ll use up more fuel. Be sure the upper part of your home is holding heat where it needs to be.
If you need new insulation, you can make it a project or have a professional take care of it. Additionally, a Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical specialist can perform an energy audit on your home using thermal imagery to pinpoint the areas where heat is escaping.
Call Today for Dependable HVAC Service
Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is here to service your heating and cooling equipment. Our certified experts can perform replacements, repairs, and maintenance. Need HVAC help? Call our Medina, OH headquarters at 330-723-4104 or request service online.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ohio, colder stretches and windy days can make your system run longer even with the same setpoint. Rate changes, longer nights at home, and extra heat loss from drafty areas can also drive the total up. Comparing your bill to the same month last year and checking your usage (therms or kWh) can help you see if it was weather, rates, or a performance issue.
Yes. If heated air is leaking into an attic, basement, or crawlspace, you pay to heat areas you do not live in. Uneven airflow can also leave some rooms cold, which leads many people to raise the thermostat and spend more overall. A duct inspection, sealing, and basic airflow balancing can improve comfort and reduce wasted heat.
Often, yes. Air that is too dry can feel colder, so keeping indoor humidity in a healthy range can make the same temperature feel more comfortable. If you use a humidifier, watch for window condensation, since too much humidity can cause moisture problems.
It can help in rooms with higher ceilings. Most fans should run clockwise on low speed in winter to gently push warm air down without creating a draft. If you feel a breeze, lower the speed or turn it off.
Sometimes, but only for small, occupied areas. Space heaters use a lot of electricity, so the cost depends on your electric rate and how many hours you run them. If you try one, keep it on a hard surface, plug it directly into the wall, and never leave it unattended.
Yes. A chimney can act like an open window if the damper is not sealing well, pulling warm air out and bringing cold air in. If the fireplace is rarely used, a chimney balloon or top-sealing damper can reduce drafts, but make sure anything you install is removed before lighting a fire.
Many modern heat pumps can heat well in cold weather, but real savings depend on outdoor temperature, your home’s heat loss, and the price of electricity versus gas. Some homes do best with a dual-fuel setup that switches to gas heat during the coldest snaps. If you are in Medina, OH, Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can help compare options based on comfort needs and local conditions.
Cold floors, musty odors, and rooms that never seem to warm up can point to heat loss below the living space. Exposed ducts or unsealed gaps around rim joists can waste a surprising amount of heat. A home comfort check from Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can pinpoint the biggest problem spots so you focus on fixes that actually move the needle.
