Due to the extreme temperature shifts, heating your home in Connecticut can be one of the more expensive components of your utility bill, but making some easy adjustments can dramatically reduce your energy spending. Whether you heat your home with oil, gas, or electricity, you can follow these 9 tips to cut your energy consumption and maintain comfortable temperatures in your home during winter:
1. Only Heat the Rooms You Use
If you have rooms you never use, like guest rooms, play rooms, or large storage areas, close off or seal the vents in those rooms to direct the flow of air to the rooms you use most.
2. Use Your Ceiling Fans
A home with better ventilation and airflow can be more efficient both in winter and in the summer months. Ceiling fans provide additional control over your homes ventilation and can strategically be used to achieve better airflow. Your fan rotating counterclockwise will push hot air up in the summer, and clockwise rotation will help trap heat inside to keep an area warmer during cooler months. Utilize the fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
3. Adjust the Thermostat at Night
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average residential home can save roughly 10 percent each year on heating bills simply by turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. Consider investing in flannel sheets and a warm comforter for your bed and keeping your home cooler when you sleep. If the house is not occupied during the day, lowering the temp, and having the thermostat programmed to return to your desired level upon your return may add to your savings.
4. Get a Humidifier to Add Moisture to the Air
In cooler months the air inside your home can become very dry, many times noticeable by waking up with a sore or dry throat. Moist air feels warmer and will hold heat better. A humidifier can make your home feel more comfortable when your thermostat is set to a lower temperature.
5. Keep Your Boiler/Furnace Running Clean and Efficient
A properly maintained boiler/furnace will reduce energy consumption and help you save on your energy bills. Check air filters monthly and replace when it gets dirty, and have your equipment serviced annually by licensed service provider.
6. Don’t Over Use Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms pull the hot air that rises to the ceiling out of your home. Use exhaust fans sparingly, and shut them off when they are not needed.
7. Bundle Up with Warm Accessories
Instead of cranking the heat on those really cold days, put on a light winter sweater or a nice cozy pair of socks. Throw blankets are great to keep on your couch, and try adding a rug to insulate the floor.
8. Take Advantage of the Sun
The sun gives off an enormous amount of heat which can help you keep your home warm even in the winter time. Open the curtains on south-facing windows and allow the free heat into your home. When the sun goes down, close the window coverings to keep the heat inside.
9. Invest in Insulation
Millions of dollars a year are lost across the country due to heat and cold air escaping in homes that lack proper insulation. Insulation can be purchased inexpensively from a local home improvement store and added to attic or crawl space to limit air escape. Foam weather stripping on doors and windows can be easy to apply as well.
Need help with any of the above? Call Levco at (203) 533-8249 or fill out our online form to get a free quote. If this article was useful to you, be sure to stay up to date with us by liking our page on Facebook, where we regularly post home maintenance and HVAC tips.
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