Tips to Save Energy & Keep Warm This Winter
Did you know that January is the coldest winter month in Connecticut? On average, the low temperature is about 16 degrees Fahrenheit. If that number makes you want to crawl under a blanket for the winter season, we have good news!
The following 6 tips can help you stay warm and save on energy costs.
Get Creative with Heat Retention
One popular method for heat retention is to take advantage of sunshine during the day. During peak exposure, keep the curtains open in rooms facing the sun and close them tight when the sun starts to set. However, many people are not home from work by the time the sun goes down and the heat is lost by sundown.
What if you could retain heat without even thinking about it? When you’re baking for the holidays or trying out new recipes for your New Year’s resolution, lower the thermostat while the oven is on. After a couple hours, your kitchen will be warm and you may notice the heat spreading to other rooms in your home!
Bundle Up – Indoors
Arguably, it’s better to be too cold than too hot. When you’re cold, you can put on slippers, a sweatshirt, cover yourself with a blanket and drink hot cocoa. Yet when you’re hot, removing layers of clothing or blasting the air conditioner can be both ineffective and costly.
In response, don’t save the scarves and wool socks for outdoor adventures alone. Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the “ideal” winter temperature per the US Department of Energy, and get cozy in your favorite winter apparel!
Close the Fireplace Damper
When the fireplace is not in use, remember to keep the damper closed. Otherwise, the warm air in your home could get sucked right up the chimney. As a result, your heat source may run longer and work harder to combat the heat loss, costing you money in the process.
Eliminate Drafts
After many years in a house, your windows and doors can become drafty. Cold air sneaks in through the cracks and you turn up the thermostat to combat the frigidness. Weather-stripping is a quick and easy solution to seal up windows and doors letting warm air escape. Apply it where the window sills or floors in front of doors feel cold to the touch.
Uncover Indoor Vents
It’s not uncommon for furniture and rugs to cover or block a home’s air vents, resulting in unusually cold rooms and system overuse. If your energy bill tells you that your heat source is working double time, make sure these items are a good distance from the floor or lower wall vents.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Ideally, preventative maintenance is scheduled before the start of the winter season. Yet it’s still a good idea to have an HVAC professional inspect your system, even after the cold sets in. If any issues are found, the necessary repairs can be made to keep it running smoothly. At the start of the season, homeowners should change the air filter in their furnace. Throughout the winter, check the filter for dust or wear and tear.
M.J. Fahy & Sons has proudly served Connecticut as one of the leading heating and cooling contractors since 1890. To schedule an appointment for service, contact us today!
