How To Conserve Heat In The Winter
A heating system does a lot of work when temperatures dip and cold winter weather sets in for the season. This is one of the reasons to make an effort to conserve heat whenever possible. Conserving heat is also a simple and effective way to control heating costs. Below, we offer tips to consider to conserve heat in the winter.
Update or Install New Insulation
Look for any gaps with insulation in your home to prevent heat loss in the winter. Pay attention to attics and ceilings. These are areas that often don't have enough insulation.
Manage Sun Exposure
The curtains, blinds, and drapes in your home can also provide insulation of sorts. They can keep your home warmer at night when the sun goes down. During the day, open curtains, blinds, and drapes to let more light in to warm up your living spaces.
Replace or Add Weather-Stripping Where It's Needed
Weather-stripping is insulation that blocks drafts and helps prevent significant heat loss. Install weather-stripping around doors and windows if it's not already there. Also, replace any weather stripping that's worn or missing.
Consider Thermo-Pane Windows
Single pane windows have a very low R value, which refers to the rate of heat loss. Multi-pane thermo-pane windows have an insulating value that can get as high as 9.1. If you can't afford to replace all your windows at once, do it over time. Meanwhile, use plastic window film to cover your older windows.
Change Your Furniture Arrangement
Make sure couches, chairs, and other furniture pieces aren't blocking vents or registers. Also, be sure rugs and longer drapes aren't doing the same thing. On a related note, consider using a vent hood to direct warmer air where it's needed most.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren't only for the summertime. They can reverse them in the winter to improve the circulation of heated air in certain areas or rooms. Besides looking nice, ceiling fans also reduce the strain on your heating system.
Be Mindful of Thermostat Settings
Turning down your thermostat by a single degree could reduce your energy bills by 3 percent. This is a small change that can make a big difference and not affect your comfort at all.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
These smart or automated thermostats could cut your heating expenses by as much as 30%. Programmable thermostats come with the ability to change the temperature throughout the day. In other words, you can lower the settings when nobody is home and turned back up when you need more warmth.
Have Your HVAC System Checked Every Year
A heating system that's working at its best is one that helps keep utility costs in check. This is why we recommend having your HVAC system inspected at least once a year. It's a process that often involves:
- Checking or changing filters
- Looking at internal components
- Checking thermostat settings
- Seeing if there are any parts that need an installation or replacement
Call Us Today
Reach out to an HVAC professional from Service Express Heating & Air Conditioning today! If you're experiencing any issues with your home's heating system, we are here to help. We can give you an honest opinion if you're looking at your options with a new or replacement heating system. Contact an HVAC professional from our team today for all your home comfort needs.
