Heating your home is one of the most significant expenses for many families. Indeed, even average winter months can be challenging when it comes to warming up your house. Whether it is a chilly day or insufficient insulation, the cold can creep in and make you lose heat fast. So save energy and keep your house warm this winter with these simple tips.
1. Replace your furnace filter regularly
Check your filter every month to see if it needs replacing. Believe it or not, a dirty filter can decrease the efficiency of your heating system. But, if you replace it more often, you will also dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
2. Lower the temperature of your hot water heater
Most people set the temperature of their water heater to about 140. However, you can get away with setting it at 120 to save money. You should also check for leaks in your water system as any leak will make it less efficient.
3. Check your insulation and repair any gaps
If you have gaps around pipes, doors, and windows, get them patched up as soon as possible. You can do this cheaply and with a bit of DIY know-how. You can also hire someone to do it for you if you don’t have the knowledge or time. By doing this, you will also increase the efficiency of your heating system and cut down on energy costs.
4. Use ceiling fans
Many people don’t use ceiling fans in their homes because they think they waste electricity. However, they should be using them instead of the air conditioner, which requires a lot of energy to cool. A ceiling fan can reduce the amount of energy used.
5. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket
You can buy an insulating blanket for your water heater online. These are easy to install and reduce the energy used to heat the water. Remove the old one and put on the new one; no tools required.
6. Reduce drafts around windows and doors
Place plastic lining on the windows of your home. This will prevent air from flowing through these areas, one of the most significant contributors to wasted heat. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize this, and they end up going through a lot of money trying to find the source of drafts in their homes. You can also put rolled-up towels or an old blanket near the bottom of your front door to keep the cold air out.
7. Consider installing a solar water heater or panels
Nothing is more efficient than the sun. A solar water heater or panels can help warm up your home in the winter, just like a furnace does. It is a worthwhile investment, especially when you consider the initial price.
8. Close the vents in unused rooms
If you are not using one of the rooms in your house, close off the vents in that room. The room might get a little chilly, but no one is going in there. It makes no sense to heat a room that no one goes in.
Conclusion
You might have to take some time to implement these tips, but consider it an investment in your health and future. You can save on energy bills for a long time if you consider these tips. So, the initial effort will be worth it in the long run.