1. Insulate Your Windows And Doors
Picture a house where every window is airtight and sealed. No heat comes in or out, ice is found everywhere, and the toilet doesn't drain properly. Even light breezes can cause drafts that make it so that a room never warms up. Since the warm air from your home will travel to the coldest place, the colder it is outside, the colder your house will be inside. Even though it may seem harder to heat an entire house, with good insulation, you're using less energy to heat a smaller space.
Windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits of wasted energy in a home; work towards sealing them off from drafts. The seals should be made of spray foam by professionals. Make sure to have your home professionally insulated, whether you use foam or not. Foam is cheaper than regular insulation, and you'll end up saving money in the long run with all of that extra energy you're not spending on heating.
2. Keep The Draft From Crossing From One Room To Another
When a piece of furniture moves over a crack or other opening where cold air enters, it can create a vacuum between rooms. Light breezes during winter can get through just about anywhere; work towards keeping them out with wood paneling on doors and windows. Paint any openings that might permit drafts with white paint and install weather stripping around them, so they're sealed off completely.
3. Check Your Furnace's Condition
If you have an older furnace, it could be worn down and not be putting out as much heat as it used to. You can measure the temperature in the ducts and ensure that they're heating up properly, but at some point, you should start thinking about upgrading your furnace if it's not putting out enough heat to keep your home warm. Older furnaces are known for using more energy than newer ones, so if yours is more than ten years old, then it may be time for a replacement.
4. Bundle Up!
Although sitting by a fire is always going to be better than sitting in a drafty room wearing a sweater that isn't doing anything to keep you warm. Still, stylish and functional clothing that's made with natural fibers is great for insulating you against the cold. Down and wool clothing is great options, but make sure to get a thicker and warmer sweater if it's cold outside.
5. Maintain Your Furnace
Use your furnace cleaner once a month to keep your system working properly. This will also help if you end up having a leak from the ducts or from pipes around the entire house. Take it slow as you open each door to test for leaks when you turn on the heat, but if you're using an electric furnace, then switching off any heat sources is necessary in order for the system to cool down properly when it shuts off.
6. Install a humidifier
If your home is still feeling cold and dry, consider using a humidifier. They're very inexpensive and incredibly helpful for those who suffer from dry, cracked lips or throats during wintertime. Many humidifiers come with a timer that allows you to set the heater to run as you see fit. This will help prevent dry air from becoming uncomfortable while also saving you some money on regular heating costs.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bills without having to worry about being home to turn the heater off and on. Most of these thermostats allow you to set them for certain times or days, so you can make sure that the heat is running only when your home is empty or when everyone's up and moving around. You also have a lot of control over how much heat it sends out, so if it's just a little chilly outside, then you don't have to take the chill from inside.
Bottom Line
Although it's always best to avoid heating your home entirely because of associated costs, there are many ways you can keep it as warm as possible for a reasonable price. While this may not be an option or necessity during winter, it's one that you should consider if you're looking to save some money on your energy bills. Visit Dako Windows for more information.
