10 Ways to Keep Your House Warmer and Save on Energy Bills
Many parts of the country are facing colder winter months – the South isn’t even exempt from the winter weather lately. So when it comes to staying warm and cozy, here’s what you need to do to keep the heat in without driving up your electric bill.
1. Reverse the ceiling fan motion
If you have a ceiling fan, reverse the motion so they are moving clockwise. This will push warm air downward and keep you warm.
2. Use rugs
Not only are rugs a quick way to upgrade the style in your home, they also help keep the space (and your feet!) warmer during cool weather. Rugs act as insulators, and can potentially reduce air drafts from coming between the floorboards.
3. Check the air filter
Dirty furnace filters are the most common culprit of heating (and cooling) troubles. Changing out the filter is a part of regular home maintenance, so make sure this is done every 90 days, or if you have pets, every 60 days.
4. Hang heavy, durable curtains
Light, decorative curtains can be stylish, but in the winter months your window coverings should do more than look nice. Heavier curtains will keep the heat in and cool weather out. And while you’re at it, open the curtains during daylight hours when the sun it out. The sun is the most effective, natural heater there is!
Pro tip: schedule your blinds to open and close at peak sunrise and sunset hours with iblinds.
5. Use a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats will help you regulate the temperature in your home because you can program the temperature based on the activities happening in your home. Along with that, avoid changing the temperature on any thermostat by more than 10 degrees. The extreme fluctuations in the temperature make your furnace work harder and will skyrocket your energy bill.
6. Cover your kitchen hood when it’s not being used
Kitchen hoods can help clear the air while you’re cooking, but they can also become a channel for cold air to enter your home. Covering the kitchen hood can keep warm air in. And speaking of cooking, after you are done using the oven, open the oven door while the oven is still warm to spread more heat into your home.
7. Clean your dryer vents
Make sure that your dryer vents are not clogged with lint. Not only does this prevent your dryer from becoming a fire hazard, it also will ensure the lint is not blocking air flow.
8. Keep the vents open in all rooms, even ones that are rarely used
It may seem like an easy way to manage the flow of heat through the home, but closing the vents in rooms you don’t use often can actually make your home colder. Closed vents make your HVAC system work harder and less effectively because your HVAC system is designed to heat all areas of your home.
9. Seal any cracks in your home’s brickwork
This one is self-explanatory but if you have cracks or openings in your home’s exterior brickwork, cold air will get through.
10. Consider adding a portable fireplace.
Portable fireplaces are a great investment if you don’t have a built in fireplace. Many manufacturers have upped their design game in recent years and it will definitely keep you warm!
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