The monthly average gas bill in winter in Dayton is just under $100 — still slightly lower than the national average. However, the cost of keeping warm is not necessarily written in stone. In many homes, steps can be taken to cut monthly heating costs while concurrently improving indoor comfort during the cold months. Also, you’ll reduce wear and tear on your gas furnace. As the nights ahead get more chilly, here are some ways to reduce your average gas bill in winter.
- Schedule an annual furnace inspection and tuneup. Provided by a qualified HVAC contractor, the service includes a thorough inspection and adjustments to ensure your furnace is operating up to manufacturer standards for efficiency and heating performance. It also includes a safety check that is vital for the operation of gas-fired furnaces.
- Seal the air leaks. It’s a simple fact of physics that warm air inside a home naturally tends to leak out of the house into the cold outdoors. This lost heat increases monthly costs and decreases indoor comfort. Take the time to check the weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows and replace it if it’s worn. Outside, look for cracks or gaps that allow heat loss through exterior walls and use caulking or other methods to close them so your heating expense doesn’t go above the average gas bill in winter.
- Check the insulation. Because heat rises, attic insulation is particularly vital to stop heat loss through the attic and roof. Make sure your attic insulation measures up to Department of Energy recommendations and that there are no gaps or openings in the coverage. Current DOE standards for the attic recommend at least 15 inches of fiberglass batts or 12 inches of blown-in cellulose.
- Change the filter. A clogged, dirty air filter is a double-whammy because it reduces the furnace’s heating performance while also increasing operating costs. During the heating season, replace the system filter at least every other month. Purchase quality cotton or polyester air filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of at least 8.
Annual service helps lower the average gas bill in winter. For more info, contact the heating professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
