Cooler temperatures mean rising energy costs for homeowners. Your HVAC system works hard to keep you warm in the fall and winter, which can increase the amount of money you spend on your utility bills. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks you can keep up your sleeve to conserve energy and stay warm and toasty in your home simultaneously.
Make Use Of The Sunlight’s Natural Greenhouse Effect
The sun provides warmth that can help you keep your energy costs down in the cooler months. By opening your blinds and curtains during the day, you can enjoy the greenhouse effect of the sun, which will offset your HVAC usage.
Close Curtains At Night
Just don’t forget to close the blinds and curtains at night, which will help to insulate your home against the cold temperatures. Windows are a source of heat loss, so keeping your window dressings pulled at night will help maximize energy efficiency.
Reduce Drafts And Air Leaks
Doors and windows are prone to leaking air, even when closed. Sealing your home is practical, simple, and relatively inexpensive. You can use caulking or weather stripping to make the areas nice and tight, reducing the airflow around the windows and doors. The more insulated your home is, the more control you have over the thermostat, which reduces your energy consumption.
Unexpected Air Leaks
Not only can windows and doors allow air to flow freely into and out of your house, but other areas of your home can also be leaking air and causing your energy costs to rise. Cold air can find its way into the spaces around your electrical outlets, AC units, light fixtures, and gaps in the insulation. Also, fireplaces can be culprits of unwanted airflow if the damper is not closed correctly.
Close Unused Vents
You don’t have to heat your entire house if you only use certain rooms frequently. Closing off air vents to unused portions of your home decreases the costs of heating your space.
Keep Air Circulating
Circulating indoor air is a great way to keep air cool in the summer and warm in the cooler months. Usually, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, pushing air downward and producing a cooling breeze; however, by reversing the direction of the fan’s rotation, you can create an updraft that moves the warm air collected near the ceiling into the rest of the room.
Have Your HVAC Serviced
Ensure your HVAC is operating at its total capacity by servicing it twice a year. Early detection of problems can keep your HVAC running smoothly all winter, lowering energy costs throughout the season.