Warm Your Home More Efficiently
With colder temperatures, it’s common for homeowners to experience higher utility bills. Keeping your living spaces warm and comfortable isn’t cheap. However, there are things you can do to reduce heating costs during the winter. Here are some tips to help keep you warm without breaking the bank.
Use the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help you lower your energy costs throughout the entire year. When your ceiling fan is moving counterclockwise in the summer, the rotation of the blades keeps the room cooler. By reversing the direction of the fan in winter, warm air that has risen to the ceiling will be pushed back down into the room. This boosts the temperature of the room which will help keep you and your family comfortable.
Lower Heating Costs by Sealing Air Leaks
Another way to reduce heating costs is by sealing air leaks. Check your windows, doors, and outlets for airflow. Look for gaps and cracks and repair them. Check weatherstripping to see if it needs to be replaced.
Determine if there are leaks around your windows and doors by performing the candle test. Light a candle and hold the flame next to the windows. If the flame flickers, it indicates an airflow in that area. Fixing leaks is easy and affordable. Install new weatherstripping or apply caulk to seal those areas. This will help you save on your heating expenses.
Reducing Humidity
Moisture in the air can make a room feel colder than it already is. Water molecules that are in contact with your skin simulate the effect of heat leaving your body when you sweat. Invest in a dehumidifier and place it in the room you use most often, like the living room or a family room. Keeping the air dry will make the temperature more comfortable and you won’t need to raise the thermostat.
Use Curtains to Reduce Heating Costs
You may not realize that your choice of window treatments affects the heating bills. Curtains are an overlooked, yet efficient, way to reduce energy costs. You will see more savings by investing in insulated curtains. These curtains reduce heat loss and drafts from the windows. Choose curtains with insulation or a reflective film that transfers heat to your home.
Making use of the sun will also help warm a room. Open the curtains during the day to raise the indoor temperature and close them at night to help your home retain heat.
Stay Warm this Winter
Heating a home will definitely take a toll on your monthly budget. Fortunately, there are easy ways you can reduce the heating bills and still stay comfortable in your home this winter. Keep your family warm and cozy with the above tips.
Encompass Home Inspection Service offers inspections to customers in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact us to schedule our services.