10 Ways to Keep Your House Warm This Winter & Save Money
Simple Tips to Keep Your House Warmer Without Making Your Furnace Work Overtime!
We're not sure what's worse...the onset of bone-chilling temperatures or the bills that come along with them. As Michiganders, we endure pretty treacherous winters, and really it's no shock to us when the winter weather delivers frigid wind and snow storms. Yet, what we continue to be shocked about year-after-year are our energy bills during the winter months! HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS to stay warm!
Let's change that! While we can't predict what Mother Nature will do this winter, we can take some simple steps to keep our homes warmer, promote efficiency of our furnace, and lower our energy bills. Try these quick and simple tips to keep your home warm this winter, and enjoy the benefits on your next energy bill!
1. Schedule Your Annual Furnace Inspection to Make Sure it's Running Efficiently
If your furnace is having problems or is struggling to perform, has gas leaks, or isn't communicating properly with your thermostat, you could find yourself racking up a higher energy bill than you ever imagined. Every year we recommend scheduling an annual furnace inspection, and many of our customers ask why? Today's systems are more technical and do require regular maintenance to ensure they are running properly and efficiently. We know it might not be the first thing on your mind so we made it a no-brainer this year with our special offer here!
2. CHANGE OUT YOUR FURNACE FILTER
No matter the season, a dirty air filter can prevent your home's heating and cooling system from performing effectively, which means it has to work over time to get the job done, and in the end...you end up paying more on your energy bill. It's important to make sure you're changing out your air filters multiple times a year not only for efficiency, but also for the health of the air you're breathing. Before you turn your furnace on for the first time this year is a great time to change it out!
3. LEAVE THE OVEN DOOR OPEN AFTER COOKING
When you’re done cooking dinner or baking, don't just close up the oven and let that heat go to waste! Crack the oven door to help heat the room. As the oven cools off, the heat will disperse into the room to your benefit. If you have children, pets or elderly house guests, make sure to take the proper precautions to ensure everyone's safety.
4. Change the direction of your Ceiling Fan
When the seasons change, it's time to change the direction of your ceiling fan. Make sure it is set to rotate clockwise during the winter vs. counter-clockwise during the summer. This will help to push hot air back down, which is especially helpful if you have tall ceilings! Look for the tiny switch on the base of your ceiling fan to change the rotation direction.
5. Use or Install a Humidifier
What does a humidifier have to do with keeping your house warm and saving money? Well, moist air retains heat better than dry air, so by using a humidifier to keep the humidity in your home level during the dry winter months, you'll be able to maintain a more consistent and warmer indoor temperature! Plus, it will also help alleviate dry skin, static electricity, and help to improve your indoor air quality!
6. Let The Sun in During the Day, Use Curtains or Cover Windows at Night
Take advantage of the free heat from the sun during the day and let that sunshine in! When the sun starts to set, make sure to utilize your curtains, or cover windows so that precious heat doesn't escape. It's also important to take note if you have drafty windows, and to take the proper precautions to seal off or cover drafts, otherwise all the hard work your furnace is doing is going to waste!
7. Close Fireplace Damper When Not in Use
Fireplaces are a great way to heat up a room during the cold winter months, however, it's also important to be aware of the damage they can do to your energy bill. If you aren't having a fire, make sure to close the damper on your fireplace and cover the fireplace opening into the room to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney. Think about it this way, if they're not covered, you might as well leave your front door open all day!
8. Install a Programmable Thermostat or Turn Down Your Thermostat When You Leave the House
When you're not home, you're spending money to heat an empty house, and that extra effort is reflected in your energy bill! By getting into the habit of turning down your thermostat 10 degrees when you leave for the day, you could save around 10% on your energy bill. Installing a programmable thermostat can make sticking to that habit even easier, not to mention outdated thermostats can do their own damage to your energy bill if they aren't communicating properly with your furnace. Learn more about the benefits of a programmable thermostat.
9. Use Carpets on Wood Floors
Does your home have lots of wood floors? Not only are the wood floors cold on your feet, but they're also not great at retaining heat, especially in older homes. Layer up some rugs or carpets throughout the rooms in your home and not only will you add a stylish element to your interior decor, but you'll feel warmer, cozier, and could save a few bucks too!
10. Seek Out & Close Off Drafts
Again, would you leave your front door wide open all day while you have your furnace running? Unless you like throwing money out the window, make sure to seek out, seal up, and close off any drafts throughout your home to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Check around windows, doors, vents, heating ducts, attics, piping, etc. and seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to help yourself save up to 20% on your heating bill!
Enjoy these 10 simple tips to keep your home warm this winter without breaking the bank to cut down on your energy usage and save money on your next bill. Also, don't forget to give your furnace the attention it needs to ensure it continues to perform efficiently, and to avoid a mid-winter breakdown. Our knowledgeable and friendly technicians are here to help you avoid a stressful or dangerous situation with our quality maintenance and installation solutions. Schedule your furnace tune up today to reserve your appointment online or by calling (734) 326-3900!
