Winter is on the horizon, and that means you’ll probably be using your heater more than usual as the weather turns cooler.
Don’t let the fear of a high heating bill keep you from using your heater on those cold days. Instead, maximize your home’s heater this winter with these tips.
Seal Your Home
Turn your home into a fortress against wind and cold drafts by sealing off your home. You can find weather stripping at most hardware stores, which helps prevent drafts from seeping in under your door frames and in your windows.
A little weather stripping and caulking around your frames and windows can save yourself up to 10 percent of your monthly heating bill.
You should also check around your home to see if you notice any gaps or holes around pipes, cables, or gas lines leading into your home, which can let in cold outdoor air. A quick caulking job can quickly seal up gaps and prevent air from coming in.
Protect Windows
Windows are a great source of natural light in your home, but they’re also the cause of about 25 percent of heat loss. Prevent excess heat loss by covering your windows in plastic, which stops most cold air from coming in.
You can also hang coverings, such as drapes, around your windows to help catch cold air and keep your home warm and cozy.
Add Insulation
A well-insulated attic can help your furnace run efficiently. Your attic lets a good amount of air in and out of your home, which is why proper insulation is crucial.
There are a variety of ways to insulate your attic, from using blowers that spray insulation around your attic to purchasing rolls of insulation fabric that you can tack up around the room.
After you’ve decide what solution is best for you and you’ve finished insulating your attic, don’t forget to add some insulation to the access door, or air may end up escaping regardless.
Get Maintenance
Before cold weather hits, you should have your heater serviced by an HVAC professional. Home heating system services can keep your furnace running efficiently by opening up blocked ducts, cleaning dirty furnace parts that can slow down performance, and identifying potential problems before they end up turning into costly repairs.
You should plan to have your unit serviced at the start of the season so that it’s ready to go when the weather turns cold. While your unit is being serviced, you should also take the opportunity to be sure heat registers aren’t blocked or else airflow won’t be able to get through and your unit will work harder to produce heat.
Check Your Thermostat
Energy savings can start with your thermostat, which is the gateway to your furnace. If you’re operating a new furnace with an old thermostat, you may not be getting a proper reading on your room’s temperature and your furnace will end up working overtime to heat your house.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which can be programmed to your preferences or be operated from your phone. Some thermostats can even learn your household’s habits and adjust itself accordingly so your unit only operates when you and your family are home.
Close Your Chimney
Fireplaces are great to look at, but a lot of warm air can escape up the chimney when they aren’t being used, which can result in a higher heating bill for you.
When you aren’t using your fireplace, even if you keep your flue closed, chances are you’re still losing warm air up the chimney.
Prevent this from happening by investing in an inflatable chimney balloon, which prevents heat loss and keep warm air where it belongs; in your home.
This winter season, your home can be a cozy place for you and your family if you remember to use tips to heat your home efficiently.
The more efficient your furnace operates, the lower your monthly bills will be and the more money you’ll be able to keep in your pocket.
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