By Shannin Prather
January 2021 | 2021 Winter Newsletter
Control energy bills by keeping warm air inside and cold air outside during winter months. With a few simple steps, you can keep your home warm without turning up the thermostat.
Drafts from doors and windows are the most common way a home can lose heat and can raise energy costs from 5% to 30% per month. Thick curtains that fall below the bottom of the windowsill can be an effective way to keep in heat. Use a draft guard or a rolled-up towel at the bottom of doors to reduce drafts.
Consider opening the curtains to let sunlight in during the day to benefit from the natural warmth of the sun. Close your curtains at dusk to help keep that warmth within the home.
If your home uses a radiator, much of its heat is being absorbed by the wall it is mounted on. Installing insulating foil behind it can help reflect warmth into your home. If your home uses a forced-air system, such as a furnace, make sure to keep all vents clear of furniture that can absorb and block heat.
When possible, position furniture near internal walls to avoid cold air from windows and outside walls. Close heater vents and doors to rooms that you do not use often.
Using any of these ideas can help keep the heat where it is needed the most — inside with you!