As the winter months approach, many homeowners prepare for the cold, chilly months, and the associated high cost energy bills! Instead of wasting energy and money to keep your home comfortable, try using some home energy saving tips to reduce waste and cost, while still enjoying a comfortable, cozy home. Here are 5 tips for heating your home in winter for less money.
Get rid of drafts. Often drafts will seep in from under your doorways, allowing cold winter air in, and allowing comfortable warm air out. These drafts also tamper with your thermostat sensor since it thinks the entire house is colder than it actually is, causing your heating system to overwork. When your heating system works harder, it is wasting additional energy and costing your more money every month on your energy bills. To help reduce drafts and save money, consider buying or making a draft snake. These attach just under your door and are a barrier between the cold and the inside of your home. You can even use a makeshift draft snake by rolling up an old towel and propping it under the draft door.
Replace furnace filters in your home. These should be changed or cleaned at least once a month during the winter months for best results and to ensure that your furnace works well for years to come so you can save money by not needing a pricey replacement. When the furnace filter is clogged or dirty, airflow is restricted and so your system uses more energy to heat your home. Keep track of replacement dates on a calendar so that you can be more diligent about changing filters in a timely manner. You may also consider purchasing a permanent filter such as a HEPA or Electrostatic filter, which will cost a bit more upfront but will save you in time and energy. These filters are not only easier to use, but also they are much better at trapping bacteria, pollen, viruses and mold that can be dangerous for your family to inhale.
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When there’s snow on the ground and the temperature outside is well below freezing, the last thing that you want to do is walk into your house and have to wait your HVAC unit, furnace or fireplace to warm up. Yet when you’re trying to prevent your heating bills from breaking your budget, sometimes you feel like you have to turn these things off while you’re gone in order to conserve energy.