4 Ways to Cut Your Heating Bills This Winter

Cut Your Heating Bills

You can lower your heat bills this winter by adding insulation, using a humidifier, installing a programmable thermostat, and maintaining your HVAC system.

Winters are usually mild in Lubbock, Texas, but you’ll occasionally have to deal with chilly days. Heating is responsible for a large chunk of utility bills in winter, so heating more efficiently can help many households save hundreds of dollars per year. You can lower your heating costs and stay comfortable this winter by adding insulation, using a humidifier, installing a programmable thermostat, and maintaining your HVAC system.

Adding Insulation

Many types of insulation become compact over time. Leaks can form, and mold can grow on them. Even if your insulation is in good condition, adding more and replacing any damaged portions will keep additional heat inside your home and conserve energy. This also prevents drafts and makes your home more comfortable. 

Look for drafts by turning your heater off to eliminate airflow. Then, hold a candle, a piece of string, or some incense near any cold areas in your home. When the string or the smoke from the incense moves or the candle flickers, it’s near a gap in your insulation. You can get rid of drafts underneath doors or windows by adding weatherstripping. Use caulk to fix smaller leaks near electrical outlets and light fixtures.

Using a Humidifier

Humidity is naturally lower in winter, and using your heater can make the air in your home even drier. Dry winter air can lead to nosebleeds, sore throats, dry eyes, and itchy skin. It can also make your home feel cold and cause cracks in wood floors and furniture.

Using a humidifier makes your home feel warmer and lets you save energy by running your heat less often. It can also keep viruses from spreading and prevent costly damage to your home. You can have a whole-home humidifier installed in your ductwork or use a less expensive portable version in one or two rooms at a time.

Installing a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is more accurate than most manual thermostats. You can set it to turn down the heat when you’re away or sleeping and then return your place to a comfortable temperature half an hour before you return or wake up. A more sophisticated smart thermostat can learn your schedule on its own over time so you won’t even have to program. You can control many of these thermostats from your computer or smartphone. Some models can control more than one indoor HVAC unit, and it’s easy to add a separate unit for new additions or different floors.

Other HVAC systems have programmable thermostats that can direct heat or air conditioning to the rooms where it’s needed most through specially designed ductwork. This feature, called zoning, lets you avoid heating or cooling empty rooms. It also allows people to choose the temperature they want for their bedrooms, home offices, or any other areas where they spend lots of time. That way, everyone can save energy while staying more comfortable.

Maintaining Your HVAC System

Regular maintenance helps you catch energy-wasting problems like leaky ductwork or a malfunctioning motor before you waste lots of energy or have to make expensive repairs. You should have your heater checked by a professional at least once per year. Also, change your system’s air filter at least every three months. A dirty, clogged filter can reduce your airflow, lower your indoor air quality, and force your HVAC system to run more and use additional energy.

You should check your outdoor unit for sticks, leaves, grass clippings, and other debris as well. These obstructions and reduce airflow and cause costly malfunctions. If your utility bills start rising suddenly, if you hear strange noises, or if you notice a burning smell when your system has been on for a while, an expert should check your system and repair it if needed.

Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning, has more than 50 years of experience, and we’re a Amana Factory Authorized Dealer. We can help you lower your heating bills this winter by installing, maintaining, or repairing a variety of systems, including humidifiers and programmable thermostats. Call us anytime at 806-589-1014 for outstanding service from friendly, knowledgeable professionals.

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We are proud to offer service to all of Lubbock, TX and surrounding areas, including:

  • Abernathy
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  • Wolfforth
  • Woodrow

 

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24-Hour Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating Repair

With more than 50 years’ experience providing heating, ventilation and air conditioning services for residential and commercial customers, we at Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning are proud to be the South Plains TX area’s comfort specialists. We specialize in system replacement, preventive maintenance and repair, all with the goal of keeping your heating, cooling, refrigeration and plumbing systems functioning at maximum efficiency.

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What Customers Love About Us

Michael Villarreal
Michael Villarreal
January 15, 2024
Had Tony come in (BROSIG'S Custom Taxidermy) he was fast,professional, friendly and informative. Got us back up and running
CM Livingston
CM Livingston
December 20, 2023
I am so thankful for BTAC and the guys they sent out to repair a major hot and cold water leak under our slab. They knew what they were doing, and were very professional and polite, and I might add compassionate. They are an asset to the company!
Jason Crites
Jason Crites
August 26, 2023
Joshua K is amazing he came out after hours and had a simple fix that got our AC fixed right away!
Rick Rodriguez
Rick Rodriguez
August 13, 2023
To the credit of BTAC and it's management, I had a frustrating experience with them on a call out for a problem with a blower motor. I made my opinion known and contacted them through email to express it. They responded, sent out new technicians and made it right. That doesn't happen very often these days, and it's good to see a company show it cares about that. If you call these folks to come out, and your experience is what you expected, let them know, they'll work with you. 👍
James Voyles
James Voyles
July 27, 2023
Luis was an incredible technician. Very professional and friendly! Can’t recommend him enough. Also prompt service, thanks for the help!
Cad Dunlap
Cad Dunlap
June 8, 2023
I'm new to the Lubbock area and Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning was the first company we called. They had someone at our house to help in an hour and the service man had our AC fixed in 30 minutes. Their customer service was great from the receptionist who answered the phone to the hvac professional who fixed our AC!
MARK BENEDICT
MARK BENEDICT
June 1, 2023
Luis was great. Fast, efficient and knowledgeable. Thank you!

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128 Slaton Road
Lubbock, Texas 79404

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Phone: (806) 589-1014

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