Nobody wants to choose between seeing your breath indoors or spending a small fortune on the electric bill during winter. When weeklong stretches of sub-freezing temperatures hit, minor adjustments can significantly reduce your heating expenses without sacrificing comfort.
In addition to making your space warmer without cranking up the heat, energy optimization protocols reduce the strain on your furnace, facilitating a longer lifespan and fewer repairs. If you’re ready for your most comfortable winter yet, get ready to try out these seven energy-saving tips this season.
1. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts from windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits behind rising heating bills. If you stand near a large window on a cold morning, you’ll instantly notice the drop in temperature.
The first step in reducing drafts is checking leaks around these areas. If you identify a specific area letting the cold in, invest in weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps. In addition, a simple door sweep at the base of exterior doors does wonders for preventing cold air from seeping in. Lastly, adding heavy curtains (or simply pulling them shut) over windows can provide extra insulation and keep warm air from escaping.
2. Adjust the Thermostat Wisely
If there’s one thing more divisive than politics, it’s the thermostat. Some individuals have no problem shelling out a few extra dollars to raise temperatures, while others would rather freeze than add $100 to their monthly bill. Can’t we all just get along?
Whatever your preferences, we believe there’s room for compromise. Consider lowering your thermostat a few degrees during the day when you’re away and at night while you’re sleeping. According to the Department of Energy, lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating costs. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can make these adjustments easy and automatic, with many systems offering remote control capabilities if you forget to set the proper temperature before heading out the door.
3. Optimize Heating Vents
When the heat is on, you don’t want the warm air getting swallowed up by the back of your couch or blocked off by your buffet table in the dining room. Many homeowners never consider the location of their vents and unknowingly restrict airflow through suboptimal furniture placement.
Do a quick audit of your spaces and ensure your heating vents are free from obstructions. If necessary, move furniture, rugs, and curtains to allow warm air to circulate freely.
4. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Obviously, fans get a lot of attention on hot days. But did you know traditional ceiling fans can also help keep your space warm?
By switching your fan to rotate clockwise on a low speed, you can push warm air (remember – hot air rises) back down into the room. This simple tip helps keep rooms comfortable while reducing the need for extra heating.
5. Use Sunlight to Your Advantage
The original furnace – the sun – can still play a role in keeping you cozy! During sunny days, open the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to let in natural sunlight, which can help warm up rooms. At night, close the curtains to keep warmth inside.
Believe it or not, this simple habit can make a noticeable difference in your home’s warmth without using extra energy. Not to mention, the natural light can help ward off some of the winter blues that millions of Midwest residents experience.
6. Maintain Your Heating System
We completely understand how and why HVAC maintenance needs get overlooked. As the saying goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Unfortunately, this is one instance where that advice falls short. In fact, routine maintenance could save you hundreds (or more) over the long run.
It’s no surprise that routine maintenance reduces the chances of breakdowns that require costly repairs, but there’s another reason to have your system serviced regularly: increased performance. The expert technicians at Hoock’s help optimize your system for maximum efficiency, meaning more comfort at a lower cost.
7. Install a Humidifier
Winter air is often dry, making it feel cooler than it actually is. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it feel warmer and allowing you to reduce your heating level. In addition, it can help mitigate a range of pesky health issues caused by excessively dry air.
When temperatures drop, monitor your home’s humidity levels (most thermostats will have it listed on the device). If you notice it falling below 40%, it’s time to invest in a humidifier.
Upgrade Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Hoock’s Heating & Cooling
The expert technicians at Hoock’s Heating & Cooling have remained committed to helping St. Louis area residents achieve optimal comfort and efficiency in their homes since we opened our doors in 2017. Our goal is to be the only company you need for all things HVAC.
To book a consultation or schedule your routine maintenance, repair, or system installation appointment, contact us today at (636) 266-2187 or get in touch online.