How to Heat Your Home More Efficiently
Almost half of this country’s energy usage is from home heating. When it gets chilly outside, there are a lot of simple things you can do to save on energy costs.
Find Drafts
When you have a draft in your house, the valuable heat can escape easily, causing your heater to work on overdrive. On a windy day, use a candle or small piece of string to trace around door and window openings. If the flame flickers or the string moves, then there is cold air coming in and heat escaping.
Seal the Drafts
Caulk or use foam sealant around window frames. For windows or doors, install weather-stripping (available at any hardware store). If you are in immediate need of weather stripping, you can place towels under the door or where the draft is located.
Regular Maintenance
If you have a poorly maintained heating system, it can become very inefficient. This can cause you to have much higher energy costs during the winter. Call a professional service to get your heater inspected, and make sure to change filters on a regular basis.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
It is not well known, but ceiling fans have a reverse setting for cold weather. By reversing your fan blades to rotate clockwise you force down the risen heat from the ceiling and can prevent it from dissipating through the walls.
Keep the Thermostat Low
Try to keep the thermostat lower. If you are chilly, put on a sweater and slippers. Keeping at just a few degrees colder than normal will save you money and is better for the environment. Just make sure to keep it high enough that you don’t have to worry about busted pipes.
If you need maintenance on your heater or would like more information on heating efficiency, pick up the phone and call Robert B. Payne, Inc. at 540-373-5876.