What Does It Take to Keep Your Home Warm for Less?

With winter comes high energy bills for all. However, these costs concern more than humans and affect the planet as well. Carbon dioxide releases into the air by the pounds every time we heat our homes. How do you save money and the Earth, all while staying warm? It’s easier than you think.

Use a Smart Thermostat

One of the latest and greatest inventions is the smart thermostat. These devices use technology that shifts the temperature of your home throughout the day. Annually, households in the United States that use natural gas emit 6,389 pounds of carbon dioxide. Lower your thermostat to less than 70 degrees, and you can cut this figure down by the hundreds. You’ll also save money because these gadgets only run the heat when you’re at home.

Seal Windows and Doors

Heat escapes rapidly through the open gaps and cracks in your windows and doors. Be sure to seal these up with strips and caulk to keep your house warm. Many people also forget about the benefits of heavy curtains. During the day, open your blinds to let in the warmth of the sun. At night, draw those drapes to keep the cold out. You can also partially cover window glass with special insulation.

LOVE YOUR SINK

Clean All Filters

Head to your utility closet or basement and take a close look at your HVAC system filters. When these are blocked, warm air can’t circulate properly throughout your house. Your system then has to work harder to push the heat out, which makes your energy bill skyrocket. Be sure to clean your filters every month — it only takes a second. Keep a stock of replacements, so you don’t run into any further issues. 

Move Furniture Around

Sometimes, the best fixes are the simplest. Walk around your house and check to make sure each vent is clear. Is there a dresser or couch in the way? That’s probably the reason why that space feels cold. Rearrange furniture accordingly. On the flip side, you may feel like your bed is too far away from the vents in your room. Shift it a little closer so you feel warmer at night.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Usually, fans spin counterclockwise to move air throughout a room. Did you know that in the winter, you can switch a fan’s orientation so warm air is pushed down? Heated air escapes through the high points of houses, so this helps prevent that. Try this at home if you have especially tall ceilings. If you feel that the room has gotten too cold, switch the fans off. 

Close Doors to Unused Rooms

Think about the rooms where you spend the least amount of time. You don’t want your heat to go unused, so close the doors to these areas. Spare bathrooms and closets don’t need heat, right? At night, shut your bedroom door to keep the warm air inside. Doing this will ensure the main rooms in your home get the most amount of warmth. 

Place Rugs on Floors

Often, our floors aren’t as insulated as they should be — houses lose 10% of heat through the floorboards. While it’s not feasible to tear up your tiles and replace them in the dead of winter, you can fix this problem. Pick up a few thick area rugs and place them throughout your house. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on this, you can buy one or two and use them in your most-frequented rooms. The more you can do to cover up bare floors, the better.

Energy Efficiency Is Simple

Keeping your home warm while saving money and the planet is super straightforward. Keep your home energy efficient this winter with these inexpensive tips and tricks.