How to Reduce Your Winter Heating Costs

Gas meter outside home covered in snow

Winter is here and the cold weather means it’s time to crank up your furnace and water heater – but that can mean skyrocketing utility bills. With already tight budgets due to the highest inflation in decades and a possible recession, no one wants the additional financial burden of high energy costs. But don’t worry, there are lots of ways you can reduce your winter heating bills without sacrificing your family’s comfort. In this article, we’ll look at some simple tips for keeping those household energy bills in check during the colder months. Read on to find out how you can save money while staying warm and cozy all season long!

Gas meter outside home covered in snow

Get Your Furnace and Water Heater Serviced

If you want to lower your monthly energy costs and enjoy a comfortable home this season, having your water heater and furnace serviced can make a big difference. A professional checkup can help identify problems and provide a tune-up so that both appliances work more efficiently, helping lower your monthly energy bills. Plus, catching minor issues now can help reduce the need for major repairs in the future! Don’t wait – contact D&F today to schedule a water heater inspection to help ensure peak performance from this important appliance. 

Improve Your Basement and Attic Insulation

Attics and basements are responsible for the bulk of a home’s energy loss. Fortunately, there are some simple and relatively inexpensive ways to make your attic and basement more energy-efficient. Improving the insulation around attic and basement walls, ceilings and floors can help these parts of your home retain more heat. Additionally, sealing attic entrances and placing weatherstripping around window frames in your basement (and your attic if you have attic windows), will significantly reduce air leaks. This will help keep the main living area of your home more comfortable and reduce the use of – and wear and tear on – your furnace. 

Lower Your Thermostat to Lower Your Energy Bills

When the weather gets colder in winter, it’s understandable if your first instinct is to crank the furnace higher. However, small changes made to your thermostat temperature can equal big savings on your energy bill. Every degree lower translates to a savings of about 2-4%. You may not even notice a temperature difference of one or two degrees. And even if you do, it may be worth putting on a sweater to save some money.   

Get Tax Breaks for Making Your Home More Efficient

Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes an Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit that provides tax credits for making improvements to your furnace, insulation, and water heater. So, how does it work? If you make one of the covered home improvements, you can get back up to 30% of what you spent in the form of a tax credit, up to an annual maximum of $1,200. A wide range of home improvements are covered, from installing new, more efficient windows to buying new appliances, to adding insulation to your home. For some improvements, the annual maximum is not based on what you spend, it’s fixed – for example:

  • $250 per exterior door (up to a $500 maximum for all exterior doors);
  • $600 for new exterior windows and skylights, central air conditioners; natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters; natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces, or boilers
  • $2,000 for natural gas or electric heat pump water heaters or natural gas or electric heat pumps (these are a high-efficiency combination of furnace & A/C unit).

If you space out your qualifying home improvements, you can receive the maximum tax credit for multiple years in a row. And finally, if you’re not sure where to start, you can receive a $150 tax credit when you get a home energy audit. For more information on these tax credits and how they work, consult with a licensed tax professional.

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program

Another provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that could save you money is the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program. Instead of a tax credit that reduces the tax you owe dollar-for-dollar, this program provides a discount for similar home improvements. The difference is that to qualify, your annual household income must be less than 150% of the median household income where you live. This calculator estimates the value of the incentives your household is eligible for.  Here are some maximum rebate amounts for qualifying homeowners:

  • $840 for a stove, cooktop, range, oven, or a heat pump clothes dryer
  • $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, or ventilation improvements
  • $1,750 for a heat pump water heater
  • $2,500 for electrical wiring
  • $8,000 for a heat pump to heat and cool your home

The tax credits above may be combined with these discounts, provided you meet all of the requirements and are eligible for both programs. Because this program is new and is administered by the states, they’re still working out how these discounts will work. They may not be in place until later in 2023, but you can start planning now.

Making qualifying improvements is a great way to save on your taxes and reduce your utility bills, and we can help. We’re experts at installing heat pump water heaters which are eligible for a tax credit and, if you’re eligible, a rebate. Contact the team at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today to schedule a consultation to get a new, money-saving heat pump water heater installed.

How to Prepare Your Water Heater for Winter

Person adjusting the settings on their water heater tank

Person adjusting the settings on their water heater tankBetween freezing weather and holiday festivities, the winter months can take a serious toll on your water heater. To ensure you have plenty of hot water all throughout the cold season, it’s important to prepare your water heater for winter as soon as temperatures begin to drop. Fortunately, seasonal maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are the top ways to get your water heater ready for winter weather:

Flush the Tank

Professionals recommend that homeowners flush their water heaters at least once per year to clear out any sediment that is building up inside of the tank. Since your water heater has to work harder in the winter to maintain warm temperatures, fall is the best time of year to empty and clean out your tank. To flush your water heater, follow these general steps:

  • Turn off the power source
  • Give the tank time to cool down
  • Close the water supply valve
  • Attach a hose to the drain valve
  • Open the drain valve and drain the water
  • Test the water quality for signs of sediment
  • Close the drain valve and refill the tank

If you aren’t sure how to flush your tank or have questions about the process, reach out to the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling! Our licensed team has years of experience working on a variety of water heater types, so they can make the process quick and easy. 

Insulate Pipes

Insulating exposed pipes near your water heater helps increase efficiency and keeps your hot water from freezing during cold spells. You may also want to consider insulating pipes in areas that are particularly drafty or cold, such as basements and attics. This will help keep them warm and prevent potential burst pipe damage due to freezing temperatures.

Lower the Temperature

Cold weather places a lot of strain on your water heater by making it difficult to retain thermal energy. To keep your unit from working in overdrive, we recommend dialing back the heat just a little bit during the winter. If you normally keep your unit at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, consider lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will not only prevent malfunctions, but it will also lower your utility bills significantly by reducing heat loss through the tank.

Check for Leaks or Corrosion

Leaking and corrosion are surefire signs that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. Look near your unit for puddles of water, dripping, or other moisture problems. Also, it’s prudent to pull out the anode rod to check for corrosion. If you notice any damage, contact a licensed plumber to inspect the water heater.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

If you want peace of mind knowing that your water heater is in great shape for the winter, schedule a professional maintenance service! At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, our licensed experts are committed to providing you with excellent service and durable results. We are very familiar with common water heater problems, so we will provide you with recommendations on how to keep your unit functioning perfectly long-term. For a free estimate, get in touch with us today!

5 Common Winter Plumbing Issues

5 common winter plumbing issues in Vancouver WA and Portland OR - D&F Plumbing Services

5 common winter plumbing issues in Vancouver WA and Portland OR - D&F Plumbing ServicesOnce you’ve got your fuzzy socks and a warm mug of cocoa, you’re all ready for winter – right? Well, though these things are definitely essentials, you might be missing a couple of important steps. Before you bundle up for the winter, it’s important to prepare your home – or more specifically, your plumbing system – for the cold weather.

Your plumbing system is particularly susceptible to breaking in freezing temperatures, and damages could be quite expensive to repair. Experts estimate that a single burst pipe costs about $5,000 in damages (eek!). To ensure your home is protected from the cold weather, it’s important to know about the common winter plumbing issues and how to prevent them:

1. Burst Pipes

When water freezes inside of a pipe, it expands and causes an increase in pressure that could cause the pipe to break. That’s why burst pipes are such a common problem in winter, and why it’s crucial to protect your plumbing system as temperatures drop. To avoid a burst pipe, you can insulate exposed pipes with heating tape or other pipe insulation. If you aren’t sure how to properly insulate your pipes, an expert may be able to help.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that can happen during any season. However, winter holidays often mean more cooking and more guests. The combination of increased usage and possible substances – like oil or fat – going down the drain could cause a tough clog. To prevent a backup this winter, try to keep things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and grease from going down the drain.

3. Water Heater Failure

When cold temperatures hit, your water heater has to work much harder to bring you the same amount of warm water – especially if you have guests who are increasing your water usage. The extra strain on your water heater could increase wear and tear while amplifying any problems with your unit. To ensure your water heater is prepared for winter, we recommend draining your tank and scheduling a professional inspection.

4. Frozen Septic Tanks

Septic systems are particularly susceptible to the cold. If your tank freezes over, it could prevent bacteria from treating the sewage, which may cause your tank to overflow or leak raw sewage. That is why it’s critical to winterize your septic tank before winter is in full swing. You can do so by insulating exposed pipes, regularly using hot water, and keeping the drain field clear of any traffic. If it has been 2 or more years since you last pumped your tank, you may also want to do so before winter to avoid backups. To ensure your septic system is totally protected from the cold, you could also contact an expert for personalized recommendations.

5. Leaks and Drips

Leaks and drips are common plumbing problems year-round, but they are more common in the winter. Cold temperatures often cause old or weakened pipes to freeze over and develop more leaks, which are often more challenging to fix in winter weather. To prevent more leaks and drips in the winter, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection to fix any weakened pipes before cold weather sets in.

Plumbing Winterization in Portland OR

Winterizing your plumbing system is an important part of protecting your home from the damage that freezing temperatures can cause. A little bit of preparation and maintenance could save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

If you want to ensure your plumbing system is completely protected from the cold, call a licensed plumber like those at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to get personalized recommendations. Our skilled technicians have been proudly serving the greater Portland OR area for nearly 100 years, and we can use our expertise to help keep your home safe all winter long. If you want help winterizing your plumbing, call the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today!

Winter Plumbing Tips

Frozen outdoor pipe. D & F talks about winter plumbing tips to help prevent a pipe from rupturing in Portland OR and Vancouver WA.

Frozen outdoor pipe. D & F talks about winter plumbing tips to help prevent a pipe from rupturing in Portland OR and Vancouver WA.

Frozen pipes and burst pipes are expensive and stressful to deal with. During cold temperatures, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage, estimating about $5,000 in repairs. Yikes! Save yourself the cost, stress, and damage related to frozen pipes and follow these helpful winter plumbing tips from us instead, before Old Man Winter strikes! You’ll be glad you did.

Insulate Pipes

The pipes most at risk are the ones located in attics, garages, and crawl spaces. However, pipes in cupboards and exterior walls can also freeze. One way to protect the pipes in these vulnerable areas is with pipe insulation. Pipe insulation is affordable, easy to install, and can be found at most hardware stores.

You can also use a heat cable for vulnerable pipes as long as you have an electrical outlet nearby.

Apply Faucet Covers

Whether you call them faucets or sillcocks these outdoor plumbing fixtures can burst from cold air if left unprotected. Drain all of your outside faucets and cover them. You can purchase foam faucet covers from most retailers. After you’ve insulated your outdoor faucets, deactivate them at the shutoff valve.

Winterize Outdoor Drains

Remove foliage and other debris from your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to ensure all of your exterior drains work properly. This will help prevent flooding during heavy rainfall and snow.

Shut off the Water When Leaving Town

If you’re heading out of town for a few days, you may want to shut off your main water supply. This will help prevent excessive damage if your pipes do freeze and burst while you’re gone.

Keep Your Thermostat Consistent

Although many homeowners tend to lower their thermostats to save money, this plan may actually backfire. Burst pipes cost much more than the money you’d be saving on your energy bill. Instead, we recommend you keep your thermostat settings consistent throughout the day and night. This will keep your home comfortable and keep your pipes free of ice.

Inspect Your Water Heater

You rely on your water heater for showers, laundry, and dishes. The last thing you want is for your water heater to break during a cold snap, so make sure it is running properly and efficiently. Signs you may need water heater maintenance or repairs include rusty water, water leaks, and unusual sounds from your water heater.

Keep Kitchen Drains Clear

This time of year is a common time for holiday gatherings and feasts. Just be sure to properly dispose of food. Don’t pour grease, oils, or fats down your kitchen drain or garbage disposal or you may suffer a drain clog.

Let the grease harden then scrape it in a trash can. If you do experience a kitchen drain clog, don’t use any store-bought products. These are not long-term solutions and can damage your pipes as they carve away at the lining. Instead, contact your local plumber. They have professional-grade equipment like snakes and video inspection tools.

What to do if you have a frozen pipe

If you have a frozen pipe, it’s important to react as quickly as possible before it bursts. Apply warm rags to the pipe. If the pipe is inaccessible, contact your local plumber to thaw it and inspect it for damage.

We hope these tips help you as you work to winterize your plumbing this year. If you have a frozen pipe or burst pipe on your hands, give us a call. We provide emergency plumbing services and affordable financing.