With winter weather comes cold temperatures and an increase in the amount of heat people need to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in the amount of the money you will need to pay for heating bills. There are a few methods that can be used during cold snaps to help keep these bills lower than they have to be. Here are some ways you can keep your heating at an affordable rate while still remaining comfortable within your home.
Windows And Doors
A lot of heat can be lost through cracks around windows and doors in the home. If you can feel cold air getting inside when you walk near one, you will need to do your best to fill in the crevices so that heat does not escape. Most drafts can be repaired by using caulk or weather-stripping.
Both of these do a good job at filling in the gap, making a tighter seal around the opening. Another way to help is by using a door draft stopper against the bottom of your doorways to keep out cool air.
Coverings
Glass is another spot where heating will escape. If you have any uncovered panes of glass in your home, you are wasting valuable energy. Buy some shrinkable plastic wrap to place on any exposed window pane.
This can be found in any hardware or home goods store and can be applied by peeling, sticking, and heating with a hair dryer. The wrap can stay in place for the entire winter season and can be removed when the weather gets a bit warmer.
Another covering method is by using thick curtains or draperies to help keep out cold weather. Look for coverings that have a thermal lining to give even extra insulating properties.
Temperature Control
Taking the time to monitor your thermostat can have a big effect on the amount your heating bill will cost. Turning the temperature down even one degree can make a difference. Consider using a programmable thermostat to help keep temperatures lower when no one is at home and at night when the heat will not be noticed as much.
You can put on an extra layer to wear or a thicker blanket on your bed to make up the difference. Many times you may not even feel that the temperature is lower and you quickly become accustomed to lower numbers.
Empty Areas
If there are spare rooms that are not being used, close the vent inside so the heat will be redirected to areas that do need the heat. This in turn will help keep the furnace from coming on as often, saving you money in the long run. Make sure you keep the doors to these rooms shut, as well.
Use Light
When it is sunny outdoors, open up the curtains to allow some sunlight to help heat the interior of your home. The light will make it warmer than the curtains will. You can also use lamps in your home to help give off extra heat instead of the furnace. Skylights can be a big help, as well.
When you notice the sun is bright, let it in. As soon as shadiness sets in from the sun moving away from the windows, shut the curtains to retain whatever heat you had collected from when the windows were opened.
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.