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It might not officially be winter yet, but if you’re a Michigander, it sure looks and feels like it. But just because home heating season is here doesn’t mean you have to burn a hole in your pocketbook. Here are some alternative ways to save heat energy in your home for the holidays without cranking up your heating bill.
Turn it down.
It might sound crazy, but the easiest way to save money on your heating bill is to dial down the thermostat. Keep in mind this adjustment may make it harder to stay comfortable in your home. If you’re willing to wear an extra sweater, this is the fastest and easiest way to save some money. According to The Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% per year by turning your thermostat down between 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day.
Use your curtains strategically.
As far as producing heat naturally goes, the sun is your best friend. When it’s sunny outside, keep the curtains wide open and the let the sunshine in. When it’s dark or cloudy outside, close them to prevent heat from unnecessarily escaping outside.
Cover up those hard woods.
We know; your hard wood floors are very pretty. However, did you know that, according to the National Energy Foundation, floors account for 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated? If you don’t want to keep them hidden for good with carpet, invest in some area rugs to keep the heat in.
Insulate your windows.
If the word “insulation” conjures up thoughts of an expensive attic project, you can tackle something far simpler instead—your windows. Window insulation is easy to install, affordable, and can save you a fair bit of money over time (and it's easy to find it in our hardware store!).
Clean your filter.
Remember to keep your furnace filter clean. Check the filter every 30-45 days, and if it looks dirty, change it. And if you have pets, check it more often. The cleaner your filter is, the less your furnace will have to work to push through that warm air.
Get a furnace check.
If you keep your furnace tuned up, it will keep you comfortable and run more efficiently, helping to cut down the cost to heat your home. It will also help to prevent costly break downs. At Godwin, we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to go when you need your home to be cozy and comfortable.
No matter how frightful the weather outside, we hope these tips will help you keep your home warm and toasty. And remember, at Godwin we are always available to install, repair, and maintain your equipment. Happy Holidays!