Home heating bills can be costly during the winter months, especially when the temperatures drop down to the single digits. If you are worried about heating your home over the next couple of months, without spending all of your hard earned cash, these tips will help you heat more efficiently.

Schedule HVAC services
You might be hesitant to schedule HVAC services that include an inspection because of the cost, but an inspection can correct simple problems that could increase your monthly bills. When HVAC units are not properly maintained, they tend to drain more energy, and thus, increase heating bills drastically. Many heating and cooling companies offer low prices, preventative maintenance service contracts, costing an average between $70 and $100, in which they will clean and service your HVAC unit and replace your air filter.

Regularly replace your air filter
Your HVAC unit could be working perfectly fine, but if your air filters are backed up, the heat cannot efficiently get through to the house. Additionally, you and your family are left breathing in harmful dust and bacteria. It is important to regularly replace your air filters not only for a more affordable heat source, but also for the health of you and your family. Changing your air filter can help both your heating unit and your air conditioning unit.

Replace your HVAC unit
The cost of replacing an entire HVAC unit can be expensive, but, when you factor in the decrease in your monthly utility bills over the next couple of years, it is well worth it. Additionally, if you are constantly calling out for HVAC services, these service fees can quickly add up. The average American home spends about 2.7% of their income on energy bills. That is about $2,000 a year. However, this number can be much higher if your HVAC unit is too outdated or is not working as efficiently as it should be.

Change your water heater settings
You are also using heat to heat your water. You use water to wash hands, clean dishes, do laundry, and to shower. These uses can add up and increase your monthly heating bill. Moving the heat setting down even a couple of degrees can result in significant savings. If your water heater costs have rapidly increased, it might be useful to have a local plumber complete a heat pump repair. The average family of four could save at least 16,000 gallons of water a year and more than $100 in water bills by updating to a 1.6 gpf model toilet and 1.28 gpf rated toilets would save an additional 650 gallons per year.

Upgrade to an automatic thermostat
Just as changing the temperature of your water can greatly affect your heat bill, upgrading to an automatic thermostat can do the same. One of the most effective ways to reduce your heating bill is to preprogram it to automatically reduce the temperature when no one is home, or when everyone is asleep. You can then set it to turn the heat back up, just before anyone gets up for the day. Once you upgrade your HVAC system, you can also upgrade to an automated thermostat that will help you to control your heat usage.

Many states have already seen single digit temperatures. Over the next couple of weeks, these cold temperatures will be followed by a high heat bill. Before consistently paying for expensive heat bills all winter long, make sure you are being efficient. Schedule HVAC services with a tune up service, be aware of how much hot water you are using and invest in a programmable thermostat.