When the temperature starts to drop we all start to dream of warm nights by the fire snuggled up with hot chocolate and a good show or book. Unfortunately with our busy lives this can’t happen every day. When you want your home to stay cozy it’s tempting to blast the heat, but instead try these tips so you don’t blow up your energy bill.
Here are 7 ways to keep your energy bill low this winter:
Block Drafts
Cold air can get through under doors and windows. Seal it out by placing a draft snake under the door and sealing in drafty windows with a weatherproofing kit. If possible replace your old windows with new ones to keep all your heat inside.
Here are 7 ways to keep your energy bill low this winter:
Block Drafts
Cold air can get through under doors and windows. Seal it out by placing a draft snake under the door and sealing in drafty windows with a weatherproofing kit. If possible replace your old windows with new ones to keep all your heat inside.
Caulk Away
A few small gaps can make a big different on your bill. Recaulk your windows and siding to prevent drafts. Ensuring a good seal helps to keep the cold air out and the warm air.
Automate It
A programmable thermostat is the way to go and can save you up to 30% on your energy bill. Leave it cool while you’re away and set the heat to kick on before you or the kids come home. It’s also good to cool things down at night, and some studies show it’s healthier to sleep in cold rooms!
Replace Your Filter
An old furnace filter can make your furnace work overtime, costing you money. Replace the air filter on your furnace before the temperature really drops so you know it will be running as efficiently as possible. This also helps reduce dust and allergens from being in the air.
Switch Your Fans
Set your ceiling fans to run your fan clockwise in the winter, to pull warm air down, and counterclockwise in the summer. Most fans have a switch on the base to change the direction.
Close it Down
If you have a fireplace you need to keep the damper closed unless you are using it. An open damper is the perfect escape for nice warm air and a nice open door for cold air. Check the manual of your fireplace if you are unsure how to close your damper.
Control the Vents
One simple way to cut back on your heat bill is to close down the vents in rooms you don’t spend a lot of time in, such as bathrooms. By closing these vents more warm air will be directed to areas of your home you actually spend time in.
A few small gaps can make a big different on your bill. Recaulk your windows and siding to prevent drafts. Ensuring a good seal helps to keep the cold air out and the warm air.
Automate It
A programmable thermostat is the way to go and can save you up to 30% on your energy bill. Leave it cool while you’re away and set the heat to kick on before you or the kids come home. It’s also good to cool things down at night, and some studies show it’s healthier to sleep in cold rooms!
Replace Your Filter
An old furnace filter can make your furnace work overtime, costing you money. Replace the air filter on your furnace before the temperature really drops so you know it will be running as efficiently as possible. This also helps reduce dust and allergens from being in the air.
Switch Your Fans
Set your ceiling fans to run your fan clockwise in the winter, to pull warm air down, and counterclockwise in the summer. Most fans have a switch on the base to change the direction.
Close it Down
If you have a fireplace you need to keep the damper closed unless you are using it. An open damper is the perfect escape for nice warm air and a nice open door for cold air. Check the manual of your fireplace if you are unsure how to close your damper.
Control the Vents
One simple way to cut back on your heat bill is to close down the vents in rooms you don’t spend a lot of time in, such as bathrooms. By closing these vents more warm air will be directed to areas of your home you actually spend time in.