Cut your Winter Energy Costs with the Help of These Tips
Winter is here, you most likely have your heat cranked up. Or possibly using a portable heater, fireplace or a lot of blankets. Many homeowners don’t know if they are using the heat efficiently. Here are some reasons why they are not.
- Not addressing leaks. Sure, you have a draft in areas. But how bad could it really be? It is common for all those small leaks to add up to the equivalent of an entire window being left open all the time. Now that’s something you want to address. You could place a draft guard at the base of each door or window.
- Exasperating leaks. Closing a vent or two in rooms you use less often seems like a good way to direct more heat to where you really need it. However, this leaves fewer places for air to go, increasing the air pressure in your duct system. This may cause some leaks in the ducts, lower air flow and higher energy use.
- Leaving the heat running. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat and your heat is on it will stay on until you turn it off. To increase efficiency, install a thermostat that allows you to customize your settings. You can lower the heat while at work.
- No routine maintenance. Even something as simple as changing your air filter regularly can have a big impact on your furnace performance. Always get your furnace checked. It is just like a car maintenance can prevent larger problems down the road.
- Ignoring larger problems. 1 space heater to warm up a chilly room is okay from time to time. But to use multiple heaters in multiple rooms because your entire house feels cold, it’s time to look at other solutions above.
We understand the cost may cost you and you don’t feel like paying more money or time into the situation. But, if you invest in the right areas, you might increase your comfort and decrease your energy costs at the same time.