Winter can be an expensive time of year, with many homeowners turning on the heating, driving up energy bills. By making just a few adjustments in your home, however, energy can be saved while bills can be decreased without compromising comfort.
Discover smart winter heating tips and save energy at home, and for heating system repairs, check out Diamondback Plumbing.
1. Turn Down The Thermostat
Setting back your thermostat at home and when asleep can significantly decrease heating and energy bills overall. Doing this “thermostat setback” can save up to 10% annually on energy costs! Lower it by seven to ten degrees for approximately eight hours daily for maximum savings, and save big!
2. Use Your Ceiling Fans
One simple way to reduce energy costs is with ceiling fans. Simply flipping their direction switch to winter mode can help circulate warm air that gathers at the ceiling and keep your family cozy without needing to raise the thermostat — saving energy costs and minimizing unnecessary heating of empty rooms in your home as well!
3. Use A Space Heater
If turning down the thermostat isn’t an option, space heaters may help provide warmth in your home. But be mindful of energy use; space heaters consume electricity, so it is easy to overdo it and end up with an unexpectedly large electric bill at month’s end.
For maximum efficiency and to avoid increasing energy bills, ensure your space heater is only used in rooms where people spend time, such as living areas or bedrooms. Also, check its wattage against what it states on your electric rate card, divide by 1,000 to convert wattage into kilowatt-hours, and determine when exactly you plan on using your heater.
4. Close Drapes And Seal Cracks
Closed windows and drapes during the day can help reduce heat loss, helping you to save on energy usage during winter. Curtains also add an aesthetic element while keeping out cold air without increasing energy costs.
As sunlight pours in from various windows throughout the day, opening curtains on those that receive direct sunlight can take advantage of free solar heating to warm a room naturally and reduce reliance on artificial heating, cutting utility bills significantly. It is preferable to open up north-facing windows instead of south-facing ones to minimize heat gain/loss.
Invest in upgrading to insulated drapes if they are not already. Insulated curtains come in many styles and colors to complement any decor in any home and can reduce interior heat gain by 33%. When purchasing them, ensure they are properly installed so the fabric clings tightly against the window frame.
Drafts can add unnecessary costs to your energy bill, particularly those coming through windows and doors. Caulk should be applied around door frames, and weatherstripping installed/replaced to reduce energy usage; purchase plastic transparent film to cover window frames — this will provide insulation while helping seal drafts!
5. Maximize Natural Sunlight
Utilize your natural heating sources as much as you can. Sun heat during the daytime (even during winters) can get to a comfortable temperature. Keep your curtains and blinds open for the available sunlight. This enables natural heating of your home and limits the dependency on artificial heat.
6. Upgrade Insulation
In insulating the house, especially inside the attic spaces, you can prevent heat loss for about an 80% increase. Trapping heat inside will keep your home warmer, and you won’t have to use heaters for too long, which could lead to a skyrocketing electricity bill.
7. Create zones
Wherever possible, create zone heating for your residence. This enables heating a home’s most commonly used sections instead of heating it entirely. It is a realistic technique for saving energy and molding your heating according to your needs.
8. Service Your Heating System
Regularly maintain and service any heating system you have. If you maintain your systems regularly, there are minimal losses of energy and fewer risks of breakdowns.
How To Know When There Is An Air Leak
Loss of air in homes can result in a hike in the cost of bills and poor room quality. However, some different tools and methods can help you spot where the air leaks are coming from —thus enabling immediate remedial action.
1. Visual Inspection
An easy way to identify air leaks is through visual appearance. Hunt for cracks or holes around the glass, doorway, or other access points. Even the forced air paths in vents and outlets. Mostly, it is the dark corners or crevices which you cannot see where you might find these openings. Try to inspect it more carefully with the help of a flashlight.
2. Incense Smoke Test
To identify areas with air leaks, light an incense and hold it close to the suspected places. The smoke will ease up in the area where air leaks. Thus, it will make it easy to detect the source of the leak.
3. Blower Door Test
The blower door test is a tool that can detect air leaks easily. More precisely, how tight or not so tight are the building components of any house? You place the commercial fan outside of an exterior door which sucks the interior air. This helps indicate the flow velocity, helping the tester identify some areas from which air is leaking and advice on repairs.
How To Fix An Air Leak
The best way to improve energy efficiency is by sealing air leaks around your windows and doors.
- Identify the leaks: If you do have windows or doors, carry out a detailed examination to find gaps, cracks, or areas that allow airflow. You have to verify both inside and outside.
- Weatherstripping: Weather stripping is one inexpensive option to seal around windows and doors. There are several kinds of altered adhesive-backed foam tape, V-strip, door sweeps, and door shoe sweeps to seal it tight. Take the gaps’ measurements and select weatherstripping that will fit well.
- Caulking: Apply caulk to seal all spaces and cracks on the window or door frames. The silicon or acrylic latex caulk is the ideal product you can use. Keep the surfaces fresh and dry to apply the caulk, or use a proper tool. With an even stroke, use a caulk tool or your finger to give the seal a final finish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making strategic choices in how you heat your home can yield meaningful energy savings during the chilly winter months. By implementing practical yet effective strategies such as adjusting your thermostat, optimizing your ceiling fans, using space heaters efficiently, and fortifying against drafts with insulation techniques, you can enhance your home’s warmth without draining your wallet.
Remember, every small change contributes to a larger impact on both your energy consumption and expenses. Stay warm and save energy this winter to enjoy both comfort and savings.
Read Also:
