Heating the house during the winter consumes a lot of energy. New Yorkers have an average monthly energy bill of $303. How can you reduce your home heating energy use and lower heating bills?
Read on to see our tips for heating your home without turning up the thermostat.
Use Heavy Window Curtains
Curtains are a great way to as an additional layer of insulation for windows and reduce heat loss during the winter months. Choose thick curtains in heavyweight, tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, tapestry, tweed, denim, and suede, to provide a thick barrier against the outdoor cold air.
Add Rugs to Hardwood and Tiled Floors
There’s nothing worse than constantly stepping on cold floors during winter. Rugs not only keep your space cozy, but they also help insulate your floors from heat loss. Choose thick rugs of wool or cotton material for the best insulation and warmth.
Reverse the Ceiling Fan Rotation
We all know that heat rises. This is because when you heat air, it expands, becomes less dense than the air around it, and floats upward. This is why in the winter months, the floors are freezing while the air near the ceiling and upper levels is warm. If you turn the ceiling fan blades in the clockwise direction, the fan will push cool air up and warm your home.
Let in the Sunshine
On sunny days, make sure any blinds or curtains are wide open to naturally warm your home. Close them when the sun goes down to reduce heat loss through drafty windows.
Air Seal and Insulate Your Home
The cold air can seep into your home from under doors, around windows, and even through electrical outlets. This not only makes it harder for your HVAC system to heat your home but can also lead to significant costs. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. You can also use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months.
Adjust Your Water Heater
You will likely use a lot more hot water during the winter as you did in the summer. While it’s tempting to want to turn the temperature up in winter, it’s better to turn it down a few degrees and save energy. You most likely will not see much of a difference, but your gas or electric bill will go down.
Lower Your Thermostat When You’re Not at Home
If you’re working or away from home during the day, turn down the thermostat a few degrees to save both energy and money. Invest in a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature of your home based on your schedule.
Maintain Your HVAC System
A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, saving you money. Oil and electric heating systems should get checked up at least once a year. Properly serviced boilers and furnaces can save you up to 10% in heating costs, and increase the longevity of your system.
