There’s always a sweet spot between the hot and cold seasons in Texas. For a few weeks out of the year, we have transitional weather that makes it comfortable indoors without turning on the air conditioning or the heater. However, as sudden as the transition season, chilly nights turn into chilly days and we begin to run our heaters. While we always associate high energy bills with air conditioning and the sweltering summer heat, heating your home is, on average, one of the biggest energy expenses. In fact, The US Department of Energy claims that heating your home may take up 45% of your energy bill. Wouldn’t you like to do everything you can to help lower that?

To find out how, continue reading.

The best thing you can do is to improve the efficiency of your home rather than replacing the heating system. These simple and easy changes can be made affordably and offer a positive return when you start to get this season’s energy bill.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to set the heater to turn off or on only when you need it and program it ahead of time to automatically adjust the thermostat when you leave for work or go to sleep. This can help you reduce your energy usage and save money on your electricity bill. Plus, you can use it all year and apply this method during the summer months, too.
   
2. Perform your own upkeep on your heating system. Do it once before you turn the heater on and then periodically throughout the season.
   -Be sure that filters are clean and replaced when dirty
   -Remove dirt or corrosion on the heat exchanger
   -Give the heating pipes and air ducts a look over to make sure they are sealed and insulated
   -Remove all blockage that may be obstructing the vents and/or radiators
3. Open curtains and blinds during the day. Heat from the sun will help to naturally warm the home. Close the blinds and curtains at nightfall.
4. Patch any cracks or holes. Heat can travel and leave your home quickly if there are cracks and holes in your walls or molding. Do a look-through of your home.
5. Check the weatherstripping on all doors that lead outside and on windows. Add weatherstripping if there is a draft or replace the current if it is cracked and loose.
6. Change the direction of your ceiling to spin clockwise. Your ceiling fan can distribute the warm air efficiently when it spins correctly! This direction causes the fan to push the hot air back down after it naturally rises.

At Cirro Energy, we offer convenient and easy home solutions such as Electric Line Protect, Surge Protect, and Electric Line with Surge Protect, provided by Allied Warranty. For more information on home solutions, click here. Check back every month for new blogs on helpful electricity tips and easy-living lifestyle advice. To compare and see the Cirro advantage, check out our residential comparison page and make the switch today. Cirro Energy, the easy choice for people who like easy choices.