How to save money on heating bills

By Mark Staron, S&S Heating, Cooling & Sheet Metal

Whether the notion of winter has you diving under an electric blanket or dusting off your snowshoes, it’s time to prep your home for the season.

Outside of installing a newer, higher efficiency furnace, there’s actually a lot you can do yourself to make your home cozier and save energy dollars, too.

Here are a few tips:

• Identify and fix gaps or leaks. To pinpoint a leak, move a lit candle around a door or window and see if the flame moves toward you. Fixing it could mean installing weather stripping inside a door or window frame, attaching a door sweep to the bottom edge of a door, or caulking small gaps in doorframes, walls and around chimneys or vents.

• Use the reverse switch on your ceiling fans. Running the blades in a clockwise direction will produce an updraft and push down heated air from the top of the room. 
• Install a Smart programmable thermostat. These systems are smarter than ever. With the new Nexia Home Intelligence wireless technology, you can adjust your heat directly or remotely from your smartphones. According to EnergyStar, this could save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
• Add attic insulation. Generally beyond the competency of most DIY folks, this is a job for a professional. It might be pricey, but it can save you money in the end.
• Replace furnace filters monthly. It’s a little step that can make a big difference in the efficiency and life of your unit.
• Get your furnace cleaned and checked. Professionals can ensure your equipment is functioning at peak efficiency and can also give you more years of service. 

S&S Heating, Cooling and Sheet Metal is located at 1353 Ridge Road in Hinckley. The company serves homes and businesses throughout Cuyahoga, Medina, North Summit and Eastern Lorain counties. Check out the host of helpful blogs on their site, SSHeating.com, call 440-237-3663, or visit or their Facebook page for more details.