Winter is on its way, and you’ll crank up the thermostat soon. This is often accompanied by a nasty spike in the energy bill. If you’re looking to reduce energy use this winter, read on to learn a few ways to warm up your home in Eastman, Georgia, without increasing your electric bill.
Seal Drafts
Air leaks strain your HVAC system, which results in frequent furnace repairs and a higher electric bill. Test for drafts by holding a candle near windowsills and door frames to see if the flame flickers. Better yet, have an HVAC contractor conduct an air leak test.
A door draft stopper or a rolled-up towel is an easy way to stop drafts creeping in under doors. Silicone caulking, foam sealant and weather stripping are the best ways to seal window frames.
Add Rugs and Curtains
A simple way to add warmth to a house is with curtains and rugs. Homes with tiled, concrete or hardwood flooring feel colder because heat escapes through these materials. Adding some plush rugs will help prevent heat loss, create a cozier feel and are a warmer to walk on barefoot.
If you don’t have double-paned windows, heavy drapes will add an extra layer of insulation. On sunny days, open the curtains to let sunlight in and draw the curtains at dusk to retain the day’s heat for longer.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This one trick can cut your heating costs by up to 10 percent. You can use ceiling fans to both heat and cool a room. In summer, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise to push air down, creating a cooling effect. In winter, reversing the fan takes advantage of a common principle of thermodynamics. It causes an updraft that forces the warm air near the ceiling down and circulates it throughout the room. On older fans, flip the switch located near the motor to change the fan’s direction. Newer models often have a reverse button on the remote control.
Improve Attic and Wall Insulation
When was the last time you had your attic insulation checked? The most common areas where heat escapes a house are the roof and walls. Inadequate attic and wall insulation reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. This, in turn, hikes up your electric bill.
Call your HVAC contractor to inspect your home’s insulation and recommend ways to improve it. It’s worth it to spend money improving insulation. You’ll reap the energy-saving benefits for years to come.
Use the Fireplace
There’s nothing better than curling up in front of a crackling fire. If you have a fireplace in your home, take advantage of it.
Natural heating options like wood-burning fireplaces and pellet stoves are an economical way to heat a home. It’s also cleaner burning as it doesn’t rely on fossil fuel like oil, gas or coal. Make sure to check your chimney’s flue damper for rust or damage. This can be another area where your home is losing heat, as warm air can leak out through a stuck, loose or damaged damper.
Bundle Up in Warm Clothing
We’re not talking thick padded jackets and ear muffs. But if you’re walking around in T-shirts and flip flops, your HVAC’s thermostat is set too high and your furnace is gobbling up unnecessary fuel or electricity.
Dress in warmer clothing, buy fluffy socks, and sleep in fleece or flannel pajamas. They may not be the sexiest sleepwear, but you’ll be snug as a bug at night. All this bundling up will allow you to drop the thermostat dial by a couple of degrees.
You need a reliable heating system to keep your family comfortable in winter. However, finding ways to supplement the warmth in your home will save money and reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re keen to start saving on your electric bill, contact Pruett Air Conditioning at 478-374-1481 for an energy audit. We’ll suggest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and let you know if your furnace needs replacing.
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