50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

Keeping warm this winter should cost you less

Posted at 6:27 AM, Oct 03, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-03 06:27:13-04

With the fall weather upon us and winter on the way, we have good news for you! Staying warm this winter should be cheaper than usual.

National Fuel says winter heating bills from November through March should drop 28 percent.

The average Western New York home is expected to pay about $450 over the five months. That's almost $200 less than last year.

Now is the time to check your furnace and make sure there are no issues. You might also want to consider investing in a more energy efficient heating system.

7 Eyewitness News reporter Cierra Johnson spent the day with a technician from Zenner and Ritter as he installed a brand new heating and cooling system at a home in Cheektowaga.

Something homeowners can do on their own to keep things running smoothly is checking your furnace filters every 30 days and replace or clean them if they're dirty. This can improve the life of your furnace.

Having your ducts cleaned, especially for pet owners, is a great way to remoe the build owner, the company says.

Zenner and Ritter says a good rule of thumb is to have your furnace inspected every year just to make sure it's in working order and to catch any problems before they get bigger or deadly.

"The largest issue you're going to have is carbon monoxide," said Dave Zawislak of Zenner and Ritter. "One of the biggest things that we see when our guys come in and assess a system is that the heat exchanger inside can be cracked. "

Zawislak says if a heat exchanger is cracked, it's going to be relaseing carbon monoxide into your home.

Stay in Touch Anywhere, Anytime with News, Weather and Video -- Download the WKBW app:

Android App

iPhone/iPad App

Or Sign Up for Our Newsletters -- Delivered to Your E-mail:

E-News, Forecast and Bills Beat Newsletters