It’s that time again: the days are short, the nights are cold, and your heating bill is looming large on the horizon.
For many of us in the colder parts of the country, heating our homes can become a formidable task. And how much more so if you’re moving into a new place! For instance, did you know a well-insulated house can save up 70% on heating costs?
Don’t be daunted; read on for some tips on heating a home.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is one of the best tips for staying warm and saving energy during the winter. Adding extra insulation to walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows, and sealing air leaks can all be effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
A professional assessment can determine exactly which areas of your house need extra insulation, but you can also start by checking for air leaks around windows, doors, and pipes. Taking these steps early can help keep your house warmer and more comfortable during the winter.
Use A Programmable Thermostat
This type of thermostat allows for the temperature in your home to be set automatically depending on the time of day. This can help to reduce the amount of energy being used, as the temperature can be set lower during the nighttime hours when you are sleeping. And higher during the day when you are home and awake.
The thermostat can be programmed to a particular schedule so that your home is always at the most comfortable temperature. If you need to make manual adjustments, you can easily override the settings on your programmable thermostat.
Maximize Natural Heat
Maximizing natural home heating is a great way to save energy and cost while remaining warm. Adding some kind of solar heating elements, such as a solar thermal tube, can help trap the natural heat from the sun inside the home. If all these methods are used together, the residents of the home can stay warm for the entire winter season without having to turn on the furnace.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans should be set to rotate in a clockwise direction when used to heat rooms. This maximizes the effectiveness of the circulation of hot air throughout the room, making it feel warmer. Fans should also be run at low speeds, and ceiling heights should be taken into account when determining the speed.
Fans should be utilized when temperatures are cooler, but the heat is still on – this will help eliminate unnecessary use of heat and conserve energy. When temperatures drop, the fan should be switched to a counterclockwise rotation to help re-circulate the warm air. Finally, be sure to turn the fan off when not in a particular room, as it will just be wasting energy.
Maintain Safety Precautions When Working With A Pellet Stove Hearth
When working with a pellet stove hearth, safety should always be the first priority. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and maintenance guidelines for the pellet stove, and follow them carefully. Make sure to clean out the stove and its chimney regularly, to prevent a buildup of creosote and soot, which could lead to dangerous fires.
Keep combustible materials such as rugs, curtains, and furniture at least 3 feet away from the hearth area. Install a carbon monoxide detector and purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the room with the pellet stove for emergencies. Taking these safety precautions can ensure that your home pellet stove hearth will be safe and efficient.
Zone Heating
Zone heating is an effective way to control the temperature in your home. It allows you to focus on certain areas of your home, such as the kitchen or living room. Leaving other areas that are not in use, such as bedrooms or hallways, unheated.
The key to achieving energy efficiency with zone heating is to focus on heating the main living areas you use most and turn the heat off in the rest. Finally, regularly inspect and clean your heating system to ensure that it is in good working order and to reduce energy consumption.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes is one of the best ways to heat a home. Insulating the hot water pipes reduces heat loss and helps the home to retain heat which can save energy and money. This can be done by wrapping the pipes in foam or cotton material that insulates the piping to keep heat inside.
It is also recommended to wrap the pipes in areas where insulation is minimal such as basements, closets, and crawl spaces. Additionally, insulating cold water pipes can also help with home heating and prevent pipes from freezing in colder climates. Insulating hot water pipes, keeps heat from escaping and is a great way to help heat up your home while also saving money on your energy bill.
Bundle Up And Layer Clothing
If you want to save money on heating costs, bundling up and layering clothing is a great way to stay warm and stay thrifty. Wearing multiple layers that you can remove or add depending on the temperature allows you to remain comfortable without needing to turn up the heat. Start with a lightweight base layer like a thin long sleeve shirt, then add a thicker layer like a sweater or hoodie.
If you find yourself shivering, slip on a coat or add a blanket around your shoulders. Also, consider investing in a cozy set of warm socks and a pair of thick, insulated house shoes. Keeping your feet warm is essential when it comes to staying comfortable indoors.
Tips for Heating A Home
Heating a home can be tricky; however, the best tips for success include regularly changing filters, sealing door gaps, setting up a programmable thermostat, and narrowing temperature swings. Fortunately, implementing these strategies doesn’t have to be difficult!
If you’re looking for more ways that will help you, bookmark our site now and come back for more insights and valuable information!
