Lower Your Heating Bill: 5 Energy-Saving Tips for Your Colorado Springs Furnace

Winter in Colorado Springs is beautiful, but that beauty comes with a price—specifically, your utility bill. Here at Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, we see how quickly heating costs can climb when your furnace is fighting to keep up with those frigid Pikes Peak nights.

The good news? You don't have to choose between comfort and cost. By making a few simple, smart adjustments, you can significantly reduce the amount of natural gas or electricity your furnace consumes this season.

Here are our top 5 energy-saving tips tailored specifically for El Paso County homeowners:

1. Embrace the Thermostat Setback

This is the single best DIY move you can make to lower your bill. The biggest heating myth we hear is that it takes more energy to heat a cold house than it saves to let it cool down. That's false!

• The Principle: Heat loss is directly related to the difference between your inside and outside temperature. The lower you set your thermostat, the slower your home loses heat to the outdoors.

• Our Recommendation: The Department of Energy estimates you can save up to 10% a year on heating costs by simply setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day (like when you are sleeping or at work).

• Pro Tip: If you don't have one already, install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat. It manages these setbacks automatically, so you save money without even thinking about it.

2. Change Your Air Filter (It’s Your Furnace’s Lungs!)

You've heard this before, but we can't overstate it. A clean filter is vital for energy efficiency, especially with Colorado's dry, dusty air.

• The Problem: A clogged filter chokes the airflow into your furnace. This makes the motor work harder, forcing it to run longer cycles to try and reach the set temperature. This is a massive waste of energy.

• The Solution: Check your filter monthly. If you hold it up to the light and can't see through it, it's time for a replacement. A clean filter ensures maximum airflow and keeps the system from straining itself.

• Bonus: A clean filter also protects the furnace's internal components from dust, preventing expensive breakdowns.

3. Seal the Envelope: Stop Air Leaks

Your furnace's hard work means nothing if your warm air is leaking out through cracks and gaps in your home's "envelope." Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make.

• Target Areas: Focus on air leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, vents, and where pipes or gas lines enter your home.

• Simple Fixes: A little weather stripping around door frames and caulk around window frames can make a huge difference in retaining heat.

• The Result: By stopping drafts, you eliminate cold spots and allow your furnace to heat the living space, not the great outdoors.

4. Utilize Your Ceiling Fans (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Many homeowners forget that ceiling fans can actually help with heating efficiency.

• The Science: Warm air rises. In a room with high ceilings, the warmest air is trapped at the top, far above where you need it.

• The Technique: Reverse your ceiling fan switch (usually on the motor housing) to run the blades clockwise on the lowest setting. This gently pushes the warm air down toward the floor without creating a chilling breeze.

• The Benefit: Redistributing the heat makes the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat a degree or two without sacrificing comfort.

5. Schedule Your Annual Professional Tune-Up

The most important tip is the one that requires a professional. Regular maintenance is the foundation of peak efficiency.

• High-Altitude Adjustment: Furnaces at our altitude must be specifically adjusted for the thinner air to ensure the proper air-to-fuel ratio. Without this crucial adjustment, your furnace is literally wasting fuel. Our technicians ensure your system is calibrated perfectly for Colorado Springs.

• Preventative Care: During a tune-up, we clean the burners, lubricate moving parts, and check the heat exchanger and gas pressure. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, uses less fuel, and is much less likely to break down when you need it most.

• The Payoff: An efficient, clean-running furnace means lower monthly bills and fewer emergency repair costs. It pays for itself in savings!

Don't let an inefficient furnace eat up your winter budget. If you've got questions about your thermostat, need a new filter, or are ready to schedule your all-important annual tune-up, call the experts at Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical today! We'll keep your Colorado Springs home warm and your bills low.