How Pennsylvania Homeowners Can Lower Heating Bills This Winter

Another winter is here, and when the temperature plummets outside, you should learn how to lower heating bills without sacrificing comfort. Implement all of the following suggestions, and you can expect to cut your bills by as much as 20 percent.

• Replace weatherstripping: Worn out weatherstripping allows cold, drafty air to sneak inside. Replacing it is as simple as pulling off the old lining and tacking on the new.
• Adjust the door threshold: If sunlight is visible under your front door, cold air is also getting through. Some thresholds are adjustable, so simply loosen the screws and lower the threshold to block the airflow.
• Put a stop to leaky outlets: Exterior wall outlets are notoriously leaky because they usually lack proper insulation. To fix this, install a foam gasket behind each one.
• Plug other air leaks: Plumbing, gas lines and wiring penetrations can let in air leaks. Seal around these penetrations with expanding spray foam for better air tightness.
• Run a space heater: If everyone gathers in one place for a long period of time, warm that room with a space heater and turn down the furnace. The rest of the home will cool off, but you’ll stay toasty where everyone is hanging out together.
• Cover glass doors with plastic: It’s less expensive than storm windows, and coving your patio door with a plastic film could lower your bills by 14 percent.
• Block air loss from the chimney: When you’re not using the fireplace, block the flue with a chimney balloon.
• Add attic insulation: Make sure your attic floor is evenly covered with a thick layer of insulation. Don’t forget the hatch!
• Install a programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats save energy when you’re sleeping and while you’re away at work all day. Programmed recoveries mean that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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