Fall is finally here! As our nights start to cool down and your furnace begins to kick in, we’ve put together a list of our top five tips that can help you and your family stay warm and save money on your heating bill.
Set your ceiling fan clockwise.
If you have a ceiling fan, in the cooler months it should be set on a low setting running in a clockwise direction. Since warm air rises, this gentle draft will push the warm air resting near the ceiling back down towards the floor. This can help the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat temperature and help keep your heating bill a bit lower.
Let the sun heat your home.
On a sunny day, if your home has large windows that directly face the sun, keep the curtains open to let the sun heat your home! Just be sure to close the curtains at night so that warm air doesn’t escape.
Replace thin curtains.
Speaking of curtains, something that many of us don’t consider is that thinner curtains can let the heat escape much easier out of your windows. By replacing them with thicker, heavier curtains in the winter months and keeping curtains and blinds closed atnight, it can prevent the amount of heat lost through windows.
Seal windows and cracks.
When the heat “escapes”, it can go out small cracks or gaps that you might not even realize are there! By thoroughly checking all windows and doors and adding caulking and/or weatherstripping, it can help conserve the warm air inside.
Keep your ducts clean.
Schedule ductwork maintenance before turning on your furnace to ensure proper circulation and efficient air flow. If the ducts are clogged with debris and dust, your unit will work harder to try and heat your home which can potentially result in a higher energy bill.
Additionally, dirt and dust restrict the airflow and circulation – letting allergens and dust accumulate, pushing them back into your home.
