10 Tips To Stay Warm This Winter

December 15, 2015

Get a Programmable Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by one degree can reduce energy use by 3 percent. With a programmable thermostat, you can automatically lower your heat at night when you’re sleeping or during the day when you’re at work.

Turn off Heat in Rooms You Don’t Use: Close all the heating vents in any room you don’t use often. This works the best if you have well-insulated walls, but even if you do not you will still see some benefit from it.

Minimize the Use of Vent Fans: Try not to rely on kitchen or bathroom vent fans. They tend to push out warm air and send it outside. Instead use ceiling fans if you want to push air around.

Replace Heater Filters: Changing your filter is a must to maintain your furnace and keep it clean. Dust and dirt can block air flow and make your heater work harder.

Air Seal Your Home: Keeping warm air in and cold air out can save as much as 30 percent on your bill. Make sure to keep up with weather stripping and caulking when needed.

Follow the Sun: Keep blinds open when it is sunny outside and closed when the sun isn’t. This simple trick can heat your home for you so you can use your heater less.

Insulate Your Attic: Majority of heat lost in your home is through the roof, make sure you have plenty of insulation in your attic. 7” is typically the minimum recommended insulation thickness.

Insulate Your Hot Water Heater: Most newer hot water heaters are well insulated, but old ones tend to lose a lot of heat. If you have an old hot water think about replacement or try wrapping the water heater with a insulation blanket.

Eat at Home: Cooking in your kitchen can heat your entire home and you will save money from not eating out.

Stay Active: Being active produces body heat. Even 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can keep your warm for an extended amount of time. Stay active and stay warm!