There’s virtually no end to the steps, big and little, you can take to help heat your home more efficiently during the long winter months. Energy-saving tips run the gamut from replacing old units to using your window coverings in more savvy ways, and everything in between. To help sort it all out, we’ve come up with a few tried and true Dos and Don’ts for heating your home.
DO
- Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. The savings reflected by these state-of-the-art devices can save you up to 10% on your heating costs.
- Use a whole-house humidifier to keep that warm air nice and moist. Dry air feels colder, so by adding moisture your house will feel warmer at a lower temperature. And, of course, your skin and nasal passages will thank you!
- Get your furnace serviced yearly. This simple step will ensure your furnace is running at peak efficiency and ward off pricey emergency heat crises during the coldest nights of the year.
- Make sure vents are open, uncovered, and not obstructed by furniture. It may seem like an obvious thing to point out, but the fewer objects that restrict airflow, the better.
- Keep outside doors closed as much as possible. Even a few minutes of arctic blast can make your system work hard to recover.
DON’T
- Ignore those cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Although they may seem small, they can make a big difference in your heating bill over the course of the winter.
- Neglect to change your filter. A clean filter means your furnace doesn’t need to work as hard to heat your home to the optimal temperature, saving you money and allowing your furnace to live a good, long life.
- Forget to close the chimney flue when you’re not using your fireplace. Warm, toasty air can escape in a hurry if you leave an open path to the outdoors, so make sure everything is closed up tight when you turn in for the night.
- Leave your windows covered during the day. Allowing the sun to stream in will help make your home a sunny, warm oasis. When dusk falls, close them to retain that heat for the overnight hours.
- Underestimate the power of layers. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler and wrap up in a comfy sweater or blanket to stay snuggly warm all winter long.
When our friendly service techs visit to address your furnace maintenance needs, be sure to ask them what their favorite tips are for optimal comfort and savings. They’ve been around the block and are sure to have a few ideas that will help keep you cozy for less!