Keeping your home comfortable and warm in winter can seem difficult. Not only that, but heating costs add up quickly. Fortunately, a few simple changes can help you save money while still keeping your living space cozy. Read on for a few helpful tips to heat your home efficiently this winter.
1) Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures at different times of the day throughout the week. You won’t have to manually adjust the temperature before leaving the house or going to bed. With a programmable thermostat, you’re only heating the house when needed, saving energy and money in the long run.
2) Seal Leaks to Heat Your Home Efficiently
Cold air seeping into your home from cracks and gaps around windows and doors can lead to higher energy costs and drafts that make it challenging to stay comfortable inside. You can fix these problems with caulk or weatherstripping. Check your frame window and door frames for cracks or gaps, and fill these areas with caulk. Inspect the weatherstripping and replace it if it is cracked or deteriorating.
3) Change the Furnace Filters
Dirty furnace filters are less effective than clean ones, so replace them regularly (every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer). Clean filters will ensure your system works smoothly. Dirty filters reduce airflow, contribute to poor indoor air quality, and force your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
4) Heat Your Home Efficiently: Install Window Treatments
Window treatments play a role in making your home more energy efficient and reducing your heating bill. When cooler temperatures arrive, replace thin sheers with heavy drapery fabrics, such as velvet or tweed, with a lining on the back. These materials add a layer of insulation to the windows and keep cold air out. Consider layering the curtains with cellular shades, which provide additional insulation over windows.
Open the curtains during the day to allow sunlight to warm your living spaces, and close them again at dusk to trap warm air inside the house.
A few simple steps, like investing in a programmable thermostat, sealing leaks around windows and doors, replacing HVAC filters, and installing insulation window treatments, will save you money when heating your home this winter season. With these tips in mind, you can keep your living spaces warm and cozy without breaking the bank.
Mason Dixon Home Inspection Services, Inc. offers inspections to customers throughout South Central Pennsylvania. Contact us to request our services.