We know, we know....it is only October, but let's face it: winter is right around the corner! Before it gets too chilly, we want to remind everyone of steps you can take that go a long way toward saving on energy costs through winter. Here are some important points to consider as you are making sure your household is ready for winter:
Spend a little time on maintenance
First on the list is furnace and heating system maintenance, especially for older systems. Following your manufacturer's guidelines in this area and replacing furnace filters regularly will ensure safety and increase energy efficiency. Want the pros to do it for you? We have rebates available for you to have your system tuned-up by an HVAC professional. See the graphic below for more information.
Sealing and circulating
Now, let's talk about maximizing the arrival of this air in the rooms you are trying to heat. You can use window coverings like blinds, shades and curtains to your advantage. Plan to open these coverings during sunlight hours to let the outside warmth in and close them at night to stop heat from seeping through the glass. You might even consider putting plastic sheeting over windows to help contain heat during cold snaps.
Also, consider the circulation in your rooms. Setting ceiling fans to rotate clockwise will displace the warm air and push it down, thereby warming the room better. Keep in mind that those exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen release to the air outside, so heated air can quickly exit your home when you leave them running.
Closing off other avenues of escape
Perforated or torn insulation is also a major energy-wasting culprit as your heating system struggles to keep up with the cold air these gaps let in. Areas you should check include the attic, floors, exterior walls and crawl spaces or basements. Before you begin replacing insulation, confirm that the material you plan to use carriers the proper rating for our region.
Faulty caulking, seals, and weather stripping around windows and doors are other places where heat can easily escape, so make sure those materials are holding strong at the beginning of each season. Homeowners with fireplaces: close the damper when you are not using the fireplace. If warm air is escaping up the chimney, your heating system will have to work harder to replace it.
So, do you notice some areas where you can improve your home's heating efficiency? Now is a great time to take care of these things before the cold hits!
