
Now that the chill of winter is upon us, managing home heating costs is a priority for many households. With just a few mindful strategies, you can stay cozy and toasty while keeping your heat bill to a minimum. Here are some great ways to save heat energy.
1. Get Your Furnace Inspected
It’s important to If it’s an oil furnace, you’ll need to do this once per year; if it’s a gas furnace, get it checked at least every two years. If you have a hot water or steam heater, be sure to ask your technician how to check the water levels and add water. This keeps your heating system running efficiently and prevents costly surprise repairs.
2. Change Your Filters
If you have a heat pump or forced-air furnace, check the filter each month and clean or replace it as needed (typically every three months).
3. Adjust Your Thermostat
Lower your thermostat by seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day, such as while you’re away at work or asleep. This simple adjustment can save you up to 10 percent a year on heating.
4. Stop Air Leaks and Add Insulation
Eliminate drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards with weather stripping or caulking. Ensure you have adequate insulation in your attic, walls, and floors, and add more if needed. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, minimizing the need for excessive heating.
5. Ensure Air Flow in Each Room
Make sure that all radiators, heat registers, and return vents are unobstructed in each room so that heat can flow freely.
6. Use Curtains Strategically
Open your window coverings on south-facing windows during the day to allow warming sunlight in, then close them at night to retain heat. Invest in insulated or thermal curtains to provide an extra barrier against cold windows, which are notorious for leaking heat.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
8. Use Ceiling Fans
Run your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling. This is especially effective in rooms with high ceilings.
9. Invest in a Humidifier
Using a humidifier will increase the humidity in your home, which makes the air feel warmer and reduces the need to turn up the thermostat.
10. Apply Heat Reflectors
If you have radiators, consider placing heat reflectors behind them, especially those that are mounted on external walls. These reflectors help to direct warmth back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls.
Additional Reading
- “Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips” from the U.S. Department of Energy
- “How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Winter”
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