(Feature Impact) Winter is coming, and if the thought of heating bills is making your wallet shiver, it may be time to get proactive with a plan. It only takes a few simple steps to reduce ongoing heating costs without sacrificing comfort at home.
Consider these tips to warm your home more efficiently, minimize heat loss and keep your energy bills under control this winter.
Get Your Heating System Inspected
No matter what kind of heating system you use, proper maintenance can help it operate more efficiently, thereby reducing costs. A technician can check for issues with your furnace, boiler or heat pump; clean the components; and ensure it’s performing as expected. You can also perform DIY tasks you feel comfortable with; even replacing a dirty furnace filter can make an immediate difference to airflow and efficiency.
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
To balance savings and comfort, keep your thermostat set to a reasonable temperature. Experts often advise aiming for 68 F as the sweet spot during winter days and lowering it closer to 60 F at night or when you’re away from home. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which can learn your preferences and automatically adjust to energy-saving temperatures when you’re asleep or at work.
Add Insulation
Heat rises and a poorly insulated attic can allow warmth to escape and force your system to work harder to replenish it. Adding extra insulation can help keep the lower floors heated, so check your attic for any thin areas or gaps. Doors and windows are other common places where heat escapes, since glass is a poor insulator and weatherstripping can break down over time. Check for drafts, replace seals as needed and consider using heavy thermal curtains or window insulation film to further reduce heat loss.
Dress Warmly at Home
It’s a sentence often repeated by parents when a kid reaches for the thermostat: “If you’re cold, put on a sweater.” As it turns out, this is solid financial advice – it’s much cheaper to warm yourself than to warm the entire home. Dress in layers and keep cozy blankets nearby, including electric blankets or heated clothing for extra comfort on chilly days.
Discover more home and lifestyle tips at eLivingtoday.com.
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