Winter months mean colder temperatures. If you’re looking to keep your home cozy-warm, without breaking the bank, here are some helpful tips to staying warmer in the coming months.
- Programmable Thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures throughout the day. This money-saving addition to your home can lower your energy costs.
- Check Your Flue. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s a good idea to keep your flue closed to minimize the amount of heat that escapes through the opening. Just don’t forget to open it up before lighting any fires!
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans. It can be a heated (get it?) debate whether having your ceiling fans spin clockwise, but if you have vaulted or cathedral ceilings, having your ceiling fans spin in reverse, should bring warm air down. To adjust the direction your ceiling fan is spinning, just flip the switch on the side of the motor and keep your fan on its lowest setting. If you feel like your room is getting too cool, just turn the fan off altogether.
- Keep Your Vents Clear. Aesthetically, your couch may be in the perfect spot, but if it’s covering or impeding the air circulation of a vent, register or radiator, it may be costing you. You end up wasting money and your home will be cooler if furniture or clutter is blocking the flow.
- Mind the Gap. If you have gaps underneath doors, you may want to get a “door snake.” These look like long sacks that can be filled with beans, dried peas or rice. Just place them in front of your doors to block cold air from creeping into your home. They can be purchased from stores, or DIY’d if you’re feeling crafty. For exterior doors, if you’re noticing drafts and a door snake isn’t convenient, you may want to install a door sweep. These broom-like attachments can be installed along the bottom edge of your doors.
- Lose the Drapes. If you have curtains or drapes, open them during the day so the natural sunlight can heat your home at no-cost.
- Change Your Filters. Having clean filters will improve air circulation and save energy, which helps keep your utility bill down. Just don’t forget to measure them before buying new ones.
For more energy saving tips, you can visit The U.S. Department of Energy’s website.
