woman in chair

Winter Energy Saving Tips For Iowans: How To Keep Energy Costs Down In Winter

October 13, 2017

Heating your home during the harsh Iowa winters can cause a steep increase in your energy bills, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several tasks you can do on your own to help mitigate those costs during the winter. Through making small changes to your thermostat and furnace filter and taking preemptive measures to maintain your furnace, you can keep energy costs low this winter without compromising comfort in your home.

Reset Your Programmable Thermostat In Winter

Reprogramming your thermostat in the winter is an easy way to keep your home comfortable and warm while keeping energy bills low. Schedule your programmable thermostat to vary temperatures throughout the day depending on whether you’re in or out of the house for extended periods of time. You can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, according to the Department of Energy.

How to reprogram your thermostat in winter

To save energy and money this winter without losing comfort, set your programmable thermostat to the recommended optimal temperatures based on time of day or scenario you may need to account for. The temperatures may vary whether you’re awake, asleep or out of the house for extended periods of time due to work or vacation.

Replace Your Furnace Filter

Depending on the type of filter you choose, replacing your furnace filter is an easy, inexpensive task you can do on your own to help keep energy costs down, improve air quality and limit strain on your heating equipment. There are several types of furnace filters you can choose from depending on your budget and personal heating preferences.

How to change your furnace filter

The furnace filter can be difficult to locate. If you’re unsure where the filter box is, look at the ductwork. The filter box will likely be located near the cold air return at the bottom of your furnace. Once you’ve located the filter box, follow these steps to replace your furnace filter. Although there is no standard rule on how often to change your furnace filter, we recommend changing the filter at least once every three months.

Seal Air Leaks In Windows & Doors

Natural wear and tear on your windows and doors through expansion and contraction can diminish their ability to keep out the harsh Iowa winter air. Leaky windows and doors can make your entire heating and cooling system less efficient, decreasing your home comfort and causing your energy bills to spike.

How to seal air leaks in your home

There are multiple strategies for weatherizing windows and doors that you can do yourself with a few inexpensive supplies, such as caulking them or replacing rubber or foam seals. Look for these supplies at your local hardware store to get started:

  • Caulking gun
  • Expandable caulk
  • Silicone caulk
  • Rope caulk
  • Weatherstripping with adhesive backing
  • Window insulation kits

Install A Geothermal Heating & Cooling System

Geothermal heating and cooling systems provide a clean, renewable source of energy through a heat exchange process with stable ground temperatures. These systems are typically quieter, last longer, and require less maintenance compared to traditional air-source heat pumps. While geothermal heating and cooling systems are a large investment up front, they pay dividends on a monthly basis and are much safer than fuel-based heating and cooling systems. The experts at Lozier understand that while geothermal heating and cooling is a relatively new technology. We can help you learn more and determine if a geothermal heating and cooling system would be a good fit for your home.

Ground source heat pump process diagram in heating mode. 

Source: epa.gov

What is a geothermal heating & cooling system

Geothermal heating and cooling systems exchange heat with the earth to take advantage of the stable underground temperatures below the frost line to keep your home comfortable year-round. These systems use a heat pump to warm, cool and supply homes with hot water through a heat exchange process.

Schedule A Winter Furnace Tuneup With A Local, Iowa Lozier Heating & Cooling Technician

Regular furnace tune-ups are a great way to get professional assistance to help keep energy costs low this winter! Give the experts at Lozier a call at (515) 267-1000, send a text to (515) 393-4262 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment with a technician to make sure your home stays warm throughout the winter.

What is a winter furnace tuneup?

Furnace tune-ups keep your furnace running efficiently and safely, and they also identify issues before they become big problems. Regular furnace inspections will help lower energy costs, keep you comfortable all winter long & provide advance warning as your furnace nears the end of its lifespan.