Starting to notice a spike in your heating bill? You’re not alone, but with the chillier temperatures, that increase is expected around this time.

One of your new year’s resolutions may have been to save more money in 2011. Although the thermostat is running a little higher and longer than average, there are ways to keep your home warm – and your wallets full – with simple adjustments here and there. Check out the following tips from our expert Charlotte NC heating technicians that will help you save money.

• Change up your curtains: The curtains that “look nice” in your home may need to be replaced by the curtains that “provide comfort.” Thermal curtains, which give added insulation to a room, are made to not only warm up your home but also combat your heating bill. These curtains can fight off the cold temperatures now and give much-needed shade during the months with the hotter temperatures.
• Set your thermostat: Just because the temperatures are cooler doesn’t mean your thermostat has to reach a certain degree. A two- or three-degree difference, believe it or not, can make a major difference in what your heating bill is and what it could be. Instead of 75 degrees, drop it to 70 or 72. If you have it at 70, try setting the thermostat to 67 or 68 and put on a sweater or sweatshirt to combat the cool. Remember, you want to be comfortable, and this can be an economical answer for you.
• Do routine check-ups: Heating maintenance is so underrated that it often goes unnoticed – and untouched – in a home. In the winter months, make sure your furnace is in great shape and your furnace filters are fresh. Be on the lookout for leaks, as they can cause havoc (mold, foundation issues, etc.) all around your home. Keep your radiator and hot water heater in top shape. Little things like this will help in the long run.

Take advantage of these tips, and live life the way you planned when you first made the resolution. Let our Charlotte HVAC company help you in achieving your financial goals when it comes to your heating system and maintenance. Call us today, or contact us online for tips and information.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that it’s cold outside. As January continues, we could see even colder temperatures.

Most families use a furnace or a boiler to heat their homes. While these are the most common heating devices, there are several alternatives that can be just as effective – and, in some cases, more energy efficient.

Heat pumps are among the most popular energy-efficient devices. They take heat from a cool area and move it to a warm area, basically making all cool locations cooler and warm locations warmer.

Portable heaters, or space heaters, are good for small locations, such as work cubicles, effiency apartments or college dormitory rooms that allow them. Portable heaters are affordable and highly manageable devices.

Radiant heat systems, which rely on radiant heat transfer, supply heat to floors, ceilings and/or wall panels in a home. Radiant heat systems is high in regards to energy efficiency, and they may use several different energy sources, including electricity, gas, solar energy or wood.

These three alternative heating methods can make life easier when the furnace or boiler is out – or unavailable – in your home. Our Charlotte NC heating experts are more than happy to assist you with any further questions. Call our HVAC company today, or contact us online.