It’s easy enough for you and your family to stay warm even when the temperature drops and a snowstorm is raging outside. Just turn up the furnace in every room of the house. But such extravagance may increase your utility bills to an extremely high amount. Find out how you can stay cozy and save money on heating this winter by following these tips.
Bring in the Sun
Although the daylight hours may be shorter and clouds often block the sky, the sun’s rays are still an effective way of receiving heat. During the day, throw open the curtains, blinds, shades, and any other window coverings, so that the solar furnace can penetrate the windows and warm your rooms. Trim any trees or bushes that are preventing the sunlight from entering your windows. When the sun disappears at night, shut your curtains and window coverings to avoid drafts from night air and to prevent interior warmth from leaking out.
Heat What You Use
If a room is empty when you turn on the furnace, it gains warmth that uses energy even though nobody is there to enjoy it. Close the vents in that room and reopen them again when someone occupies it. If the room will remain unoccupied for the entire winter, such as a guest room or storage area, consider sealing off its vents, so you don’t have to worry about whether they’re open or not when you turn on the heat.
Clear the Vents
A clear path must exist from the heating vents to the center of the room if you want the space to warm up. If you’ve shut the vents or blocked them with a large piece of furniture, such as a dresser or recliner, the heated air won’t be able to flow into the room, no matter how high you set the temperature. Always leave the area in front or above the vents open. Also, keep them free of dirt and dust because such debris can not only prevent the heat from flowing freely but can blow into the room,
Replace Weatherstripping
Properly sealed windows and door thresholds hold warm air inside a room and keep cold winter drafts from penetrating. If it’s been awhile since you’ve touched the weatherstripping around your doors and windows, it may be time for them to be replaced. If you see daylight seeping under a door or through the edge of a window, then those areas are leaking heat and may require additional weatherstripping or caulking. Some thresholds have screws that you can turn to adjust the height and eliminate any gaps. Turn these screws counterclockwise until the daylight and the crack disappear.
Decorate with LED Lights
You can further reduce energy consumption by using LED lights. Not only do these high-tech versions use up to 75 percent less power, but they also last up to 25 times longer.
If you have questions about heating your home or want us to inspect your entire heating system, please contact us at Guaranteed Services today. We can help with all your heating needs!
