Staying warm in winter is a basic need that all creatures share, but you can also use winterizing projects around the house to help save yourself some money. Keeping warmer and saving money doesn’t have to cost a lot either. Here are four ways you can stay warm and keep money in the bank.
1. Make Your Home Winter-Proof
This is a series of mini-projects that involve things like putting up more insulation, installing or replacing weather stripping, repairing leaks around windows and doors, and sealing drafts that can steal warm air from your house and allow bitter winter breezes in. Don’t forget to plug up unused chimneys, reverse your ceiling fans (they should run clockwise in winter), and put up storm windows and doors.
Note: If you don’t have storm doors and windows, invest in some plastic window film that will reduce drafts.
2. Get Your Furnace a Check-Up
At about $100 on average, an annual furnace inspection is possibly the most expensive item on this list. However, when you compare that to the cost of major furnace repairs and pricey energy bills, the money you’ll spend on maintenance is well worth it.
Annual furnace tune-ups involve cleaning, dusting, lubricating, removing blockages, testing efficiency and safety, and other things that will make sure your furnace is running properly. Because of this, your furnace will be more efficient and cheaper to operate, and you won’t need to worry about it breaking down in the middle of winter.
3. Hike Up the Heat Index
?This is one of the simplest and cheapest things you can do to make your house feel warmer, and running a humidifier in winter also has other benefits. When you add more moisture to the air, the air will feel warmer, meaning you’ll be more comfortable and be able to turn down the furnace. Plus, humid air will help prevent:
- Dry skin
- Chapped lips
- Bloody noses
- Static buildup and shocks
- Sore raspy throats
- 4. Get More Control Over the Heat
Bonus Tip
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, it’s time you invested in one. This simple device can be programmed to have different temperatures for different times of day, and this can mean savings of up to 20 percent on your energy bills. How? Because if you program the thermostat to turn down the temperature when there’s less activity in the house (in the middle of the day and the middle of the night), you can save big on your heating bill.
Taking on projects that will make your house warmer and your energy bill lower are a great way to spend the cold days of winter. These four winterizing tips will keep your family cozier, make your house more efficient, and leave you with more money left over at the end of the month.
For HVAC help, including furnace maintenance, trust the experts at CJS Heating & Air. Give us a call today at 937-488-4758 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.