Are your energy bills getting out of control this winter? If you’re looking for ways to keep your heat on without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. Check out these tips for saving on your heating costs. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your home toasty warm all winter long – without spending a fortune. So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more! 
For Xcel Energy customers your expected energy bill has increased approximately 37%. Many of you have already seen these higher bills already. This is due to higher cost of natural gas. Production hasn’t rebounded from the pandemic and there is a higher demand not only here in the US but worldwide. 
So how can you save money on your heating costs? Here is a list of energy saving tips to make sure you stay comfortable this winter and keep more of your money. 
-Get a tune-up  Regular servicing of your heating system will help it work efficiently, saving you money on your heating bills. It can be a good idea to sign up for a seasonal tune-up . Our comfort club includes an annual tune-up and maintenance inspection of your home’s heater. The tune-up will keep your heating system running efficiently into its systems best. With a tune-up byou are more likely to catch small issues early and fix them before they need more extensive repairs or even replacement.
– Replace your older furnace. According to the US Department of Energy, fuel efficiency ratings on newer high-efficiency heating systems can run from 90 to 98.5%, as opposed to older low-efficiency systems at 56 to 70%. And as your system gets older it loses efficiency year after year. Replacing your system can save 20-30% off your typical bill
– Check your insulation. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you’re going to end up spending a lot more money on heating costs. Make sure that your attic and walls are well-insulated, and consider adding extra insulation if necessary.

– Get a programmable smart thermostat. Smart thermostats on average save about 8% on heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat will help learn your schedule to know when you are home and needing to run your system

– Take advantage of solar power. If you have a south-east or west facing windows, open the curtains during the day to let in the sun. Conversely at night make sure curtains are closed to prevent warm air from leaking out of your home. 
– Keep your vents clear. Make sure that all of your vents are free and clear of debris, so that the warm air can circulate properly. Check your couches chairs beds and other home furniture. Sometimes when furniture is moved throughout the year, they can block air vents preventing warm air from proper circulation. 
– Celling fans Make sure during the winter months your ceiling fan is in reverse moving in a clockwise direction. This pushes warm air down circulating the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down where you need it. 
-Close vents in rooms you aren’t using.This makes sure you are heating the rooms you want more comfortable and are concentrating warm air in higher traffic areas. But make sure you are keeping interior doors open so air can properly flow throughout your home and not make your HVAC system overwork. 
– Cover and seal windows. According to the department of energy about 30% of Your homes heating energy is lost through windows. Having thicker drapes during the winter and proper sealing makes sure your money isn’t leaving your home throughout the night. 
– Get a space heater. If you only need to heat a small area, consider using a space heater instead of running your whole heating system. This can save you a lot of money. 
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to keep your energy bills under control this winter. With a little bit of effort, you can stay warm without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Start saving today!