It is important to save energy in your home both for financial and environmental reasons. You can do so by updating your appliances at home and following some common best practices which will help you save money on your next bill and keep your planet healthy. Below are 8 energy-saving tips that reliable heating would like to share with you for this upcoming winter:
1. Close your chimney
In order to prevent heat loss you should close the damper when your fireplace is not in use. You should also make sure that the damper is snug as possible. If you never use your fireplace you can plug and seal the chimney flue. If you are using your fireplace you may want to reduce heat loss by opening the damper in the firebox or open a window nearby, slightly maybe 1 or 2 inches, and lower the thermostat temperature setting.
2. Add a humidifier
Adding a humidifier to your heating system will allow you to turn your thermostat down and feel comfortable at lower temperatures.
3. Check your airflow and vent system
In the winter you should change the direction of airflow of your ceiling fan to clockwise for warm air to be pushed towards the floor and cool air to go up. Also, make sure there is no furniture blocking your air vents from warming up your room. You can also close the furnace vents and doors in rooms you do not typically use for more air to push into other rooms.
4. Change your furnace filter frequently.
You can even go as far as installing a furnace filter alarm letting you know when you should change your filter. Keeping your filter clean will improve air quality in your home.
5. Adjusting your drapes and blinds to the sun
On sunny days keep your drapes/blinds open for heat to enter your home and close the drapes or blinds when the sun starts to set.
6. Seal any Leaks in your home
Before the winter starts you may want to go around your house and check for air leaks around utility-cut throughs for pipes, chimney gaps, recessed lights in ceilings, and unfinished spaces inside cupboards and closets. Also very important is to check your doors and windows for air leaks and add caulk or weatherstripping in order to seal any air leads on your windows and doors.
7. Cover windows that produce draft
If you feel some of your windows are producing draft you can use heavy-duty clear plastic sheet or tape the inside of your window frames during the winter. You just need to make sure that you seal everything tightly to reduce draft coming in through the windows. You can also install insulating drapes or shades that will be tight fitting to your window.
8. Schedule Regular Maintenance
You should also schedule a professional to do a maintenance check on your heating system to make sure everything is running efficiently and safely before the cold winter hits.
Following these simple tips will keep your family warm while reducing your energy consumption in your home.
