Keep Your Home Warm This Winter With These Easy Tips

energy billsOne of the most critical resources in existence is energy. Each year, households and businesses in the United States purchase approximately $190 billion worth of electricity, 30 percent of which is wasted.

Even with Energy Star and similar programs, Americans continue to overpay for inefficiently-used energy or even energy that never gets used at all. This use puts a strain on the nation’s resources, as well as the consumer’s wallet.

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HVAC Companies Suffield CT: Keeping Your HVAC Costs Low This Winter

If you are like most homeowners, you are always looking for ways to lower your heating costs. You will be happy to know that there are easy ways to achieve this while remaining comfortable in your home. In this article, you will find some tips on how you can accomplish this.

Inspect Windows And Doors For Air Drafts

Before the beginning of winter, start checking the corners of your doors and windows, mainly where the joints are located. Warps and cracks in areas where wood, vinyl and concrete meet can allow heat to escape and let cold air into your home or business. In numerous instances, DIY insulation can be a cost-effective, easy-to-implement solution. By simply weatherstripping doors and windows, the heat inside your house is maintained, and drops in temperature are prevented.

Schedule Tune-ups & Repairs For Your Heating System

HVAC serviceThe best way to make sure that the heating system in your home is ready for chilly weather is to have it evaluated by an experienced HVAC technician. The system can be cleaned and inspected, and all damaged parts or needed repairs can be addressed to make sure that the furnace will appropriately function when it is most needed.

Schedule A Heating System Tune-Up

Lower Your Thermostat’s Temperature For Energy Savings

You can reduce your heating bill by approximately 10 percent if you lower the thermostat by 10 degrees while sleeping. If this minor drop in temperature makes you uncomfortable, consider using thicker sheets and a comforter on your bed. Certain fabrics, including flannel, allow your body heat to insulate you while you sleep, even if the thermostat is set at a lower mark. Similarly, there is no need to pump heat into an empty house. Therefore, if you are leaving for work in the morning, turn the temperature down until you return.

Turn Off Space Heaters At Appropriate Times

This tip is excellent if you use the space heater. With such devices, you have the option of turning on the heat in specific rooms that you plan to use, allowing you to reduce your thermostat settings. If certain areas of your home are unoccupied, turning on a space heater in those areas is not necessary. Additionally, it is unwise to allow space heaters to run when no one is present in the room.

Increase Your Home’s Humidity Level & Moisten The Air

Moist air feels much warmer than dry air, as moisture is better at retaining heat. Therefore, by adding a humidifier,  even when you keep your thermostat at a lower setting. You can also increase humidity by the addition of houseplants. This is because all plants must absorb water through their roots. They release this moisture through the stems and leaves. Once the water evaporates into the air, it increases the inside humidity.

Numerous botanicals, such as areca palm, spider plants, peace lilies, and English ivy are quite efficient at increasing moisture. These decorative plants are also effective at removing pollutants from the air.

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Run Ceiling Fans Clockwise During Winter

ceiling fanCeiling fans improve circulation and airflow inside your home. Fan blades that work in a counterclockwise manner are quite cost-effective in summer, as they pull hot air toward the ceiling. However, to retain heat during winter, blades should run in a clockwise manner. When ceiling fans are in use, make sure you keep them at a low setting, as this will increase their efficiency concerning keeping your home warm.

Beat The Winter Chill: Layer Up Indoors

This simple tip can go a long way toward staying warm in winter. Just wear thick shirts, turtlenecks, sweaters, shawls and thick socks to remain warm regardless of where you set your thermostat. If you have hardwood floors, consider using area rugs in strategic places throughout winter.

Get The Most Of The Sun’s Natural Heat

The sun is a free source of heat and light and goes a long way toward helping your house stay warm during autumn and the early days of winter. Keep the curtains open on your south and east facing windows to allow the natural warmth of the sun into your home. When it gets dark, close the curtains.

 

Conclusion

Miller Oil Company provides professional, trustworthy HVAC services throughout Hartford County, Connecticut.

We have skilled and experienced Nate certified technicians on staff who are always available to do quality work in your home. At Miller Oil Company, we are proud to offer exceptional HVAC repair service, tuneups, installations, and other home comfort services. Contact us today, and we will provide you with a free, in-home estimate.

Schedule A Free, In-Home Consultation

Some of the areas that we service include East Granby, Suffield, West Suffield, Windsor Locks and these zip codes 06026, 06078, 06093, 06096 as well as all surrounding areas in Hartford County, Connecticut.

Contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.