Living in a temperate climate, you don’t worry about frigid commutes and shivering temperatures all season. But winter in these regions can still experience cold snaps and lower temperatures. If your home is prone to drafts, you may find yourself even colder, huddling in certain rooms to avoid constantly touching the thermostat. If you want to save money on heating bills this winter, these easy tips can help while still keeping you comfortable.
Schedule Heating Service
Heating service is one type of annual maintenance you don’t want to skip. By having a technician come out and inspect your system, you can ensure your equipment is optimized to perform its best without elevating costs. Unmaintained heating units often overconsume power and ineffectively warm your home; a unit that receives proper service each year is going to run smoother, save you money, and keep you comfortable for less.
Weatherstrip Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping is a super simple, fast way to warm up your house without running the heat. Tiny cracks around windows and large door jambs allow cool air to seep in while also causing warm air to escape; the constant back-and-forth leaves you running in between the couch and thermostat to keep warm.
Use a weatherstripping kit to quickly patch up any gaps and strengthen your home against wind and cold temperatures. It’s a simple strategy that can easily give you greater comfort for a fraction of the cost of running your heating.
Improve Insulation
Bolstering your home’s insulation, especially in the attic, can have an enormous impact on its comfort levels. Older homes may have outdated insulation that can’t effectively stop heat loss or cold air penetration; this results in higher utility bills because your heating and cooling system struggles to maintain the desired temperature.
Here are some signs it may be time to upgrade your insulation:
- Furniture, counters, and floors always feel cold
- You feel drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets
- Parts of your house feel warmer or cooler than others
- You have high energy bills with normal use
- Your insulation is over 20 years old
Make Indoor Swaps
Change out thin curtains for thicker, insulating ones, and add an extra layer of bedding to sleep with. Consider replacing airy sheets with denser fabrics to improve insulation and keep you warmer at night.
You can also apply window treatments directly to your panes; there are many peel-and-stick options that can help boost insulation.
Running candles and using the stove to cook can also help naturally warm your home, saving you money on long heating cycles.
Stay winter-ready all year long with heating repair and maintenance from the Hay Camp Mechanical in Rapid City, SD!