Keeping your home warm and comfortable during the winter can be a challenge.
It can also be seriously expensive.
This year, you can save money on your energy bill and enjoy a toastier abode by following a few simple tips and tricks.
Read on to learn about the most efficient way to heat a home, and find out how to keep yours cozy and energy-efficient throughout the winter season.
Take Control of Your Temperatures
The most efficient way to heat a home is to have total control over the inside temperature. This means that you can easily adjust the temperature as needed in order to save money and energy.
A programmable thermostat can do wonders for your heating bill since you can easily change the inside temperature to suit your needs and schedule. Adjust the temperature lower when you’re not at home to save on costs.
Smart thermostats give you even more control since you can change temperatures remotely. They also “learn” your habits and can adjust to fit your home and your family’s needs.
Some heating systems offer even more control and allow you to adjust temperatures for individual rooms. With this level of temperature control, you can turn off or lower heating temperatures in rooms that you don’t use.
If you don’t have a partitioned heating system, keep the door closed on rooms you need to stay warm. This will trap the heat and keep those rooms toasty so you can turn the thermostat down.
Over time, you can easily develop a set temperature that will keep you comfortable without overdoing it on energy efficiency. Finding that happy medium helps you have better control over the way your system works and how much energy it needs to use in order to keep you warm.
Choose Your Fuel Source
Not every home needs to use electric heat in order to be warm during the winter. Use an oil heater instead of the traditional electrical system and you could save quite a bit of money every winter on energy costs.
Before you go this route, it’s a good idea to start comparing prices between various oil providers. This will give you a better gauge as to the monthly and annual costs overall.
Gas heat is another cost and energy-efficient way to heat your home. Both gas and oil tend to be less expensive than electricity. If you’re looking for a new home or you’re thinking of changing your heating system, this is something to consider.
Most heating oil is sold at market price, and you may even qualify for some form of assistance in certain areas. Gas is a generally cost-effective way to heat homes, and your bill will likely be much lower than if your heating was entirely electric.
The Most Efficient Way to Heat a Home: Excellent Insulation
In many cases, you’re losing heat because your home has hidden leaks that allow warm air to escape. Without proper insulation, your heat is just running without giving you the level of comfort you deserve.
Check your attic to make sure that you have plenty of insulation and that it’s the proper rating for your home. Look at the roof and keep an eye out for leaks, holes, or damage.
You can also reinforce areas where air could escape by sealing all of your windows and doors. Check for any visible light coming through these areas and if you see any, apply new weatherstripping.
Caulk windows and use double-glazed panes whenever possible. These windows are specially designed to improve insulation and trap warm air inside. Additionally, you can close your curtains to create another layer of insulation during the night.
Perform a quick “insulation audit” of your home to confirm that all gaps are filled and that your home has no places where the air could be escaping. Foam insulation in the walls is a highly effective way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Use Extras to Your Advantage
You may have a few things in your home that can improve the energy efficiency level in the winter. If there are ceiling fans in certain rooms, make sure they are rotating in a clockwise motion.
When fans are running clockwise, they’re helping to bring the warm air downward to keep the room cozier. This simple tweak could help you reduce your thermostat setting by a full degree or more, helping you save on energy costs.
If you have a fireplace, keep it running whenever you plan to be home for an extended period of time. A fireplace or woodburning stove will warm the living areas of your home, taking some of the load off of your furnace without raising energy bills.
For spaces with hard surface flooring, add a few thick area rugs. By adding this simple layer to your floors, you can keep the room warmer and better insulated.
Simple, Smart Decisions for a Warmer Home
With the most efficient way to heat a home varying by location and size, these simple tips are a good starting point. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make your home more energy-efficient during the cold months of winter.
Check your home’s insulation and use things like ceiling fans and fireplaces to your advantage. Consider switching to gas or oil-based heat to save on your monthly heating costs, too.
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