Keeping your family warm and comfortable this winter season shouldn’t have to break the bank. Before you spend extra money by cranking the thermostat up, check out these simple tips to keep your home warm while keeping heating bills down.
1. Seal Any Air Leaks
Did you know that air leaks are responsible for 25% to 40% of your energy bill? The best way to take care of this is to put aside time to investigate your windows, doors and light fixtures for any damaged weatherstripping and replace it.
2. Leave the Curtains Open
During the summer, we recommend closing your curtains during the day to keep the heat out. However, during the winter, we say keep those curtains open all day to let the natural light and warmth in. Then, close them when the sun goes down.
3. Dress for the Season
One of the best ways to keep warm is to dress for the season, and now it’s socially acceptable to wear those sweatpants and oversized sweatshirts! You can also apply this theory to dressing your bed and couch. Choose flannel sheets to help stay warm at night and add an extra blanket for a nice layer or warmth.
4. Check Your Air Filter
The air filter is a small, but crucial part of your HVAC system. Regularly check your air filter every one to three months to see if it needs to be replaced. How often you replace your air filter will depend on the type of air filter you have, where you live and if you own pets.
5. Close the Doors
Is there a bathroom or room in your home that isn’t used often? Make sure to close the door when your central heating is on. Or, simply close the bathroom door after every use. Closing the door to that room will keep it nice and toasty, and your HVAC system won’t need to constantly create new, warm air.
6. Check Your Insulation
Insulation helps keep the core of your home warm and absorbs cold air that can seep into the attic. Like anything else, insulation does have a lifespan.
If you recently moved into a new home or can’t even remember the last time you had your insulation checked, we suggest calling in an HVAC professional. They can inspect your insulation and give you any recommendations.
7. Use the Oven
Getting the family together and cooking a meal is one of the best ways to bond, and it’s an added bonus that it can also heat up your home. If you’ve cooked or baked something in the oven, be sure to leave the oven door open. This allows for more heat to escape.
8. Turn Down the Thermostat
Your furnace can only heat a specific amount of air at a time and depending on the size of your home, it could be a while before everything is nice and toasty. According to energy.gov, 68 degrees is enough to keep your home warm and comfortable without going overboard. Just remember to dress for the season.
9. Don’t Forget Your Fireplace
A fireplace is great to have during the winter, but you also need to be careful about wasting warm air. When you’re not running a nice warm fire, make sure the damper in your chimney is closed. Warm air can easily escape and get lost through the chimney.
10. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
One of the best things you can do to prepare your system for the coming season is to schedule a furnace tune-up. During a tune-up, a certified HVAC technician will inspect every part of your furnace. Tune-ups are the best way to ensure the longevity of your system. With regular maintenance, an HVAC technician can catch any small problems before they become big, hard-to-fix, issues.
To learn more about how you can keep heating bills down, or to schedule a tune-up, give us a call at 1-800-989-0299! We’re available 24/7 for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.