Everyone wants to save money on their heating bills during the winter, and the TemperaturePro team is here to help you do so.
Check out these 9 easy tips for reducing energy spending in the coming winter months.
1. Programmable Thermostats
One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bills during winter months (and throughout the rest of the year), is by installing a programmable thermostat. With one of these in place, you’ll find you have much more control over your indoor environment.
Typically, you set the temperatures you want based on four different time intervals: wake time, sleep time, leave time, and return time. This allows you to lower your home’s temperature while you are away for the day, and while you are sleeping.
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees while you are home and awake and lowering the setting up to 10 degrees cooler while you are away or sleeping.
Contact your local TemperaturePro today for help installing a programmable thermostat.
2. Don’t Lose Heat Accidentally
Before the temperatures drop too low outside, double check that your windows and doors are all completely shut while the heat is on.
If your home has a fireplace, remember to keep the flue and glass doors shut when the fireplace is not in use.
When cooking or showering, don’t forget to turn off the ventilation fans when they are no longer needed, as those are quite literally sucking the heat you are paying for out of your home.
3. Furnace Maintenance
Professional maintenance of your furnace system is recommended at least once per year. Regular maintenance keeps your heater working in tip-top shape, prevents costly breakdowns, and enhances the overall life your current system.
This step saves you money both in the short-term and the long-run.
4. Cover Windows When It’s Dark Out
Windows are notorious for losing heat during the winter months. At night, the sun is no longer helping your heater keep your home warm. If you have curtains or blinds on your windows, you’ll want to keep them closed because they add another layer of insulation over those pesky windows.
5. Uncover Sun-Facing Windows During The Day
On the flip side, keep those curtains and blinds open during the day on sun-facing windows. The sun is the greatest source of heat we have, so make sure you’re taking full advantage of our star all winter long.
6. Use Ceiling Fans To Your Advantage
This might sound strange, but running your ceiling fans may save you up to 10% on your heating spending during the winter months.
If you run your ceiling fans in the opposite direction that you do during the summer, they pull colder air up towards the ceiling. The heat coming from your vents naturally rises to the ceiling, so when the cold air crowds that space, the heat is pushed back down to your level.
Most fans have a switch on the side of the motor:
7. Get A Humidifier or Plants
Did you know that moist air is more effective at holding onto heat than dry air? By purchasing a humidifier or some indoor plants for your home, you can increase the amount of moisture in the air, thereby increasing the effectiveness of your heating system.
8. Invest in Insulation
Keep your warm air where it belongs—indoors! Unless you’re currently constructing a new home, adding insulation to an existing site can be quite cumbersome. Luckily, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
- Add fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam insulation to your attic
- Add weather stripping or caulk to your windows
- Invest in curtains made of thicker materials
- Apply insulating window films
9. Lower Your Thermostat Setting
Finally, you can simply lower the setting of your thermostat. There’s nothing wrong with wearing sweaters and socks inside, and who doesn’t like to curl up with a cozy blanket?
Have more questions about reducing your energy spending this winter? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local TemperaturePro. We’re happy to help, whether that’s inspecting and maintaining your furnace, installing a programmable thermostat, or providing helpful tips. Stay warm!
