In Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs, we know the cold weather is always just around the corner. The below-freezing temperatures have a big impact on your budget. We’ve put together a few tips to help you reduce the cost of your heating bills:

9 Ways to Save on Heating During a Chicago Winter

1. Seal up air leaks – Check windows, doors, light fixtures, power outlets, switches, walls and ceilings for holes, gaps, missing weather stripping and drafts. You can hold a lit candle near areas you’re concerned about. If the flame flickers, there’s most likely an air leak. In most cases, some caulking and weatherstripping is enough to fix the problem and can add up to a 20% savings on your heating bill.
2. Focus on the thermostat – Lowering the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours per day can result in a 10% annual reduction of your heating bill. Turn down the thermostat when you’re going to bed, headed to work for the day, going out to dinner or taking a weekend getaway. To make adjustments a lot more convenient, consider a programmable or smart thermostat.
3. Welcome the sunlight – Open the blinds and let the sunlight warm up the house. Just remember to cover those same windows at night to prevent cold from seeping in.
4. Shut the doors to unused rooms – If you’re not going to be spending time in a room, shut the door. With the door shut, the heat remains in the room so the heater doesn’t need to keep blowing warm air into it.
5. Dress warmer – Wearing warmer clothes allows a lower thermostat setting. Those fuzzy slippers can help you save money.
   Do some cooking – Warm up your stomach and the house by baking some homemade meals or treats. The oven adds heat to the house. You can prop the oven door open after you’ve switched it off to take advantage of the remaining heat.
6. Buy insulating curtains – Approximately 30% of heating loss is caused by the windows. Thick curtains and shades combat cold air from coming in.
7. Replace air filters – Regular filter changes prevent dust and other contaminants from getting inside the heating system and negatively impacting efficiency.
8. Use ceiling fans – Make sure the fan spins clockwise. You’ll help to move all that hot air trapped up by the ceiling down toward the floor.
9. Schedule heating maintenance in the fall – Call the professionals from Air Blue Heating and Cooling Inc. at (847) 450-7366 for cost-effective, proactive services to keep your heating system operating at its best!

Contact Air Blue Heating and Cooling Inc. for seasonal heating maintenance

Air Blue Heating and Cooling Inc. offers a range of heating solutions for home and business owners throughout Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs. Call one of our two locations in Wheeling or Algonquin for furnace maintenance, replacement or repair.