When winter arrives, it’s only natural to want your home to be warm and cozy. However, between the furnace running non-stop and turning up the thermostat, high energy costs are inevitable, right? Not necessarily. As experts who’ve helped many homeowners tackle this challenge, we’d love to let you in on a few secrets for maximizing your central heating system’s output without maxing out your budget.
- Insulate, Caulk, and Weatherstrip. Think of your home like a cozy sweater — you want it to keep all the warmth in. To do so, you’ll need to minimize heat loss by sealing up those notorious leak areas. There are many ways to do this, such as checking your windows and doors for drafts and adding weatherstripping or caulk where needed. Additionally, you may consider adding insulation to your attic and walls.
- Close Off Unused Rooms. Consider shutting the doors and closing the vents occasionally in guest rooms, storage areas, or any other rooms that don’t see daily use. This will enable your heating system to focus on the places you mainly occupy, thus improving its efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
- Upgrade Your Thermostat. If you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace smart technology. Programmable or smart thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For instance, you can lower the heat when you’re asleep or away and have it warm up just before you wake or return home. The US Department of Energy estimates you can save up to 10% yearly on your heating bills by lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.
- Maintain Your Heating System. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your heating system running efficiently. Replace filters regularly, keep vents and radiators clean and unobstructed, and schedule annual professional check-ups. A well-maintained system not only runs more efficiently but also lasts longer, saving you money in both the short and long term.