Tips for Staying Energy Efficient This Winter
With gas and electricity prices rising, heating your home as the winter settles in can be a struggle. Finding the balance for comfort that doesn’t break the bank is important. New York winters can cause a strain on your energy bills, so here are some ways to keep yourself warm while staying as cost-efficient as possible.
Program Your Thermostat
Having a programmable thermostat means you can automatically set your heat to lower at night and when you’re away from home. You can also make these changes manually, and they can save you money.
Only Heat the Rooms You Use
If there’s a room or section of your house that you don’t often visit during the winter, consider closing the door and even the heating vents. Your heating system won’t have to use as much fuel or electricity if you close off some of your houses. Alternatively, if you only frequent one or two rooms, you could use a space heater to warm those spaces.
Keep Warmth Inside
Often, homes lose heat from insufficient insulation. If your home has air leaks or lousy insulation, you could spend much more on heating than you should. Replace old caulking or weather stripping to reduce heat loss around doors and windows. Be sure you have the proper insulation in your walls and attic.
Warm up in Other Ways
If you’re cold in your house, there are several things you can do before turning up the thermostat. Layer up and get out the thermal pajamas and sweatshirts. Cook or bake something and get the heat from the oven or stove and the cozy warmth of eating a hot meal. Make a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. On sunny days, be sure blinds and curtains are open so that the sun can do its job and your house can be as much of a greenhouse as possible.
Schedule a Professional Heating Inspection
If your heating system is old and outdated, it could cost you much more than it should run. Contact our experts at D. Rohde Plumbing, Heating & AC for heating service, upgrades, and repair.