Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s heat loss is due to air leakage? Here are some more tips:
- Use a programmable thermostat and set it at a lower thermostat setting. You will save up to 3% on your heating bill per degree lowered over a 24-hour period (or about 1% per 8 hours). Program your heater to come on right before you wake up, cool down when you leave for work, warm up when you return from work, and go down again right before you go to bed.
- Seal your chimney flute when not in use. Leaving your chimney flute open when not in use is akin to a window left several inches open.
- Use fans to circulate air. Set your fan on low to circulate air upward toward the ceiling. This will force the warmer air that rises and gets trapped in the ceiling downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
- Keep vents and radiators clear. Ensure your vents/radiators are not blocked by rugs or furniture. This allows the air to circulate freely to get the full benefit of the warm air and puts less strain on the furnace.
- Clean vents, and radiators, change air filters, etc. Dust is an allergen. Clean the built-up dust from your radiators and baseboard heat vents often, allowing the air to flow freely and evenly into your rooms.
- Approximately 10-25% of your house’s heat loss can be attributed to windows. Open curtains and shades on south-facing windows during daylight hours to allow the sun’s heat to enter your house and warm it. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night and when the sun is not shining on them to insulate your house and keep the heat inside.
- Shut interior doors. If the room is not used, why heat it? Shut the doors and close the vent when you are not in the room.
- Seal the leaks in your house. Your house leaks hot air! But if you seal most of these leaks, you can save between 10-20% on your heating bill this winter. Leaks are often found around doors, windows, near the attic, where wires and cables enter your house, and around electrical outlets. Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings with caulk or weather stripping.
- Add insulation to your house. Insulation helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out. This can not only save you money, but it can also be a tax-deductible home improvement which will give you an even better return for your investment! Basement insulation is often overlooked and will help keep your house warmer during winter months.
- Using a humidifier can reduce your heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. The other benefits to using a humidifier include reducing static electricity and dry skin, and improve breathing. A dry room also allows germs to spread more easily.
- Air Vent Booster. An air-vent booster is a fan you install over your vent that works by drawing additional air into a room that is always way too hot or cold.
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Curtains with a very heavy, tightly woven, or solid lining and interlining can help insulate.
