Do you have a programmable thermostat yet? We sell and install them, or you can pick them up at Home Depot, Lowe’s, online, or any hardware store and call Isley’s to install them for you. A programmable thermostat can save you 5-15% on your utility bills, says the Department of Energy https://energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats. Here are 14 things you can do to reduce heating expenses in your Arizona home:
- Keep drapes and shades open during the day to allow Phoenix’s natural sunlight to heat your home.
- Set your thermostat as low as comfortable when home.
- By resetting your programmable thermostat from 72° to 65° for eight hours a day (for example when no one is home or when everyone is tucked in bed) you can cut your heating bill up to 10%.
- When you are home, run ceiling fans at a low speed and set them on reverse (pushing air upwards) to help move heated air away from your ceiling and down where people are.
- Use exhaust fans sparingly because they suck the heated air out of your home.
- Close fireplace damper when not in use, to eliminate drafts.
- When using your fireplace, turn the heat down significantly, or it will just go up the chimney.
- Your house won’t warm up any faster if you raise the thermostat temperature. When the system is running, the rate is the same regardless of the setting.
- Avoid letting cold air into your home by closing doors.
- Make sure your wall and attic areas are well insulated.
- Seal air duct leaks.
- When cooking with your oven, open the oven door after you are done to help heat the house.
- Consider using space heaters that are economical to only heat the room you are using. Please remember to use them safely.
- Use area rugs on floors. If your feet are warm, your body will not feel as cold.
