How to Reduce Heating Bills - A Complete Guide

Thanks to our pleasant climate, you may not run your heater often in east-central Florida. However, when you do need to run it, you want to save as much money as possible. Regular furnace maintenance and heating repair in Riomar, FL, can keep your system running in a cost-efficient manner.



After having us conduct your annual maintenance tune-up, learn more about how to reduce heating bills during periods of cool weather.

Learn To Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

One of the best ways to save money on heating bills is by taking advantage of a smart or programmable thermostat. 

A smart thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network for remote control with a smartphone. By providing precise control of the heating system, smart thermostats reduce operating costs, regardless of whether you’re home.

A programmable thermostat lets you set up a schedule to run the heating system. You might turn down the heat while you’re sleeping or during the day when you’re at work. Programmable thermostats can run on a different schedule on weekends than during the week.

Perhaps you already have one of these kinds of thermostats but are unsure how to use it. Our team can advise you on making the most of a smart system to save money on energy bills. If you have an old thermostat in your home, our technicians can install a new one for you.

Seal Leaks in Windows and Doors

One of the quickest ways to reduce heating bills is through weatherproofing. Check for gaps around windows and doors, then apply weatherstripping or caulk to plug these leaks and prevent unwanted air loss. 

You are more likely to need air conditioning than heating most of the year in Riomar, FL. The good news is that taking these steps to seal air gaps can benefit you by lowering your cooling costs, too.

Add Insulation to Walls and Attics

Insulation improvements represent another way to reduce the heating bills you’re paying at your Riomar, FL, home or business. Adding insulation to the walls keeps cool air from seeping into your home.

Heated air from your furnace will rise. The insulation in your attic keeps this heated air where it belongs. As with weatherstripping and caulk, more insulation helps with lowering your cooling bill.

Try To Avoid Using Space Heaters

Even when heating the home, you might want to find ways to lower your electric bill. One of the biggest reasons people see a jump in their utilities in winter is because of space heaters.

It can be tempting to rely on a space heater or two in Riomar, FL, for zone heating rather than turning on the furnace or heat pump. Winter temperatures often drop into the 50s at night, and you might think those temperatures aren’t cold enough to warrant using such a large appliance.

If you spend most of your time in one room, using a space heater seems more logical than heating the entire house. However, space heaters are much less energy efficient than furnaces or heat pumps. They also require a lot of electricity to operate, which drives up your power bill. 

Additionally, space heaters can malfunction, tip over, or excessively heat nearby objects, increasing the chance of a fire. In the Vero Beach area, running your heat pump or furnace during winter is always best.

Reduce Heating Bills by Taking Advantage of the Sun in Riomar, FL

One advantage of living in east-central Florida and along the water in Riomar, FL, is the abundance of sunshine year-round. This region receives about 250 sunny days per year, which is much higher than other areas of the United States.

Additionally, this region’s southern location makes winter sunlight more direct here than in northern locations. 

Even in the cooler winter months, this area receives enough sunlight to help heat your home. Open your curtains and let the light in! You’ll notice some extra warmth and reduce your heating bill at the same time.

In addition to the heating benefits, sun exposure is good for the health and well-being of everyone in your household.

Making Timely Repairs to the Furnace

Perhaps the best option when considering how to reduce heating bills is to keep your furnace in top operating condition. If your furnace or heat pump needs repairs, don’t ignore these problems. When the heating system is not running efficiently because of failing parts, you’ll likely see your heating costs rise.

Our technicians can visit your home for annual maintenance checkups on the furnace or heat pump. During our inspection, we may find parts of the heating system that need fixing and can nip those problems in the bud before they become major hazards.

By taking proactive steps to repair or replace these older parts, your furnace will run like new after our technicians have given it a once-over. This will ensure a comfortable indoor climate even in the most unseasonable conditions. You should also see an improvement in your heating system's energy efficiency.

Although taking care of some repairs now might seem costly, you’ll soon see financial benefits due to lower heating bills and a longer lifespan for the unit.

Let Us Help You Reduce Your Home Heating Bill Cost in Riomar, FL

At Bates Air & Heat, we serve Riomar, FL, with expert heating and cooling services. Whether you want to dial in precise thermostat settings or understand how inefficient cooling spikes bills, we are the ones to call. Our technicians understand everything related to heating and cooling systems. There’s nothing your system can throw our way that we haven’t seen before.

When wondering how to reduce heating bills specifically, annual HVAC maintenance is one of the best steps you can take. Our technicians serve the entire Vero Beach region, including Riomar, FL. Whether you live near Riomar Country Club, South Beach Park, or Prang Island, we can serve your neighborhood with world-class HVAC services.



For an appointment or to ask questions about any heating problems you’re noticing, contact our team today.