Tips to Retain Heat & Save Energy
When it’s winter in New England, we all feel the urge to crank up the thermostat to 80 degrees and get cozy on the couch. However, if the heat is constantly running, your energy costs rise along with the temperature. We offer 7 tips to keep your family comfortable and your wallet full this holiday season!
1. Rely on Heat from the Sun
During the peak hours of sunshine, keep curtains open for natural heat. However, be sure to close the curtains tight when the sun goes down to retain the heat you’ve captured during the daytime.
2. Install Draft Stoppers
While drafty windows can be caulked, the warm air that escapes from beneath your doors can be retained with a draft stopper. You can find ones that blend into your floor or opt for unique patterns that make a décor statement!
3. Decorate with Area Rugs
Many modern homes have hardwood floors instead of carpeting. While this is a preferred look for many homeowners, it can be freezing to walk around in winter! Throw rugs and larger area rugs will retain the 10 percent of heat that is lost when floors are not insulated.
4. Insulate Older Homes
Older homes are less energy-efficient than the newer models being built today, partly due to lack of insulation. If heat is escaped through unprotected walls and attic space, consider installing additional insulation to prevent heat loss.
5. Don’t Cover Heat Registers
Many of us inadvertently cover our heat registers with furniture and rugs when decorating or rearranging the layout of a room. Not only can this be a fire hazard, but it prevents heat from spreading throughout the house.
6. Use Portable Heaters
Space heaters can be used in lieu of the furnace on days when it’s chilly, but not cold enough to run the heat. They can also be used in rooms that are most frequented, if you don’t have zoning capabilities.
7. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Energy and heat are often wasted when no one is home! A programmable thermostat allows you to turn the heat down when you’ll be away, so it isn’t constantly running with no occupants. Some systems come with a smartphone app that would allow you to turn the heat up before you leave work, so you come home to a cozy house!
Home energy savings begin with an up-to-date and functioning HVAC system. Contact M.J. Fahy & Sons today to schedule a service call.
