Heating costs are often a big expense for homeowners. The cold winter months are just around the corner along with higher heating bills. Here are six effective ways to reduce your heating costs this coming season!
1. Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan
It’s a simple truth that hot air rises, which is why so much warm air builds up at the ceiling. You are doing yourself no good by keeping the heat trapped at the top of the room during cold months.
Circulate the heat down into the room by rotating your ceiling fans to spin clockwise at the lowest speed. This will help reduce your heating costs by redistributing warmth back into your living space.
2. Use Thick Curtains to Reduce Heating Costs
Open curtains to let the sunlight in during the day and close them to prevent heat from escaping at night. While we see less of the sun during winter, it will still help to warm our living spaces throughout the day.
Use blinds or thick blackout curtains to limit heating expenses by keeping the warm air inside the room. Cover glass windows and doors with blinds or thick blackout drapes to provide an insulating barrier and save money on your utility bills.
3. Lower the Temperature on Your Thermostat
You’ll reduce your heating costs by 5% to 10% when you lower the thermostat’s temperature by just a few degrees. When you leave your house for several hours or are sleeping, lower the temperature even further.
Also, consider getting a smart or programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your home and most models also allow you to adjust the temperature remotely using an app on your phone.
4. Make Sure That All Air Leaks are Sealed to Reduce Your Heating Costs
Examine the walls, doors, windows, light fixtures, ceilings, outlets, and switches for any signs of airflow. Look for holes, cracks, and worn weather stripping. When you’re inspecting your windows, carry a lit candle with you.
Light a flame and hold it near the windows. If the flame flickers, there may be an air leak. Get some inexpensive caulk and weather stripping and seal up the leaks. By fixing the leaks, you can save up to 20% on your heating costs.
5. Wrap the Pipes to Save Money on Heating Bills
When pipes aren’t insulated and the hot water passes through them, it spikes your heating costs. Install insulation wraps over the ducts and pipes if your water heater is in a colder room like the garage. This will help to reduce your heating costs.
6. Bundle Up to Reduce Heating Costs
The more layers you wear in the winter, the less you’ll need to heat your home. Put on a sweater over a short-sleeved shirt or switch to wearing pants made of thicker fabric, such as denim or wool, and you’ll notice a change in your comfort levels.
During the winter, a pair of warm socks will warm up your feet, which will help to keep the rest of your body warm. Throw an extra blanket or two on your bed so that you can lower your thermostat while sleeping.
CheckIt Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Roanoke and the New River Valley. Contact us to book an appointment.