By Matthew Wong
October 2016 | 2016 Fall Newsletter
Control your energy bills by keeping the warm air inside and the cold air outside. With a few simple steps, keep your home warm and cozy this winter without cranking up the thermostat.
Leaks and drafts (typically from doors and windows) are the most common way a home loses heat and can raise energy costs from 5% to 30% per month. You can fight against a rise in your energy costs with any of the following options:
Open your curtains and let in sunlight during the day to benefit from the natural warmth of the sun. Close your curtains at dusk to help retain that
warmth. Thick curtains that fall below the bottom of the windowsill are the most effective at keeping in the heat. Caulk windows frames to ensure a leak-proof seal. Use a draft guard or a rolled up towel at the bottom of doors will minimize drafts.
If your home uses a radiator, much of the heat it gives out is being absorbed by the wall it is mounted on. Installing insulating foil behind it will greatly help reflect warmth into your home. A word of caution: this will require you to remove your radiator so be sure you know the proper procedure. You can find this information online or by asking at your local hardware store, where you can also purchase the supplies needed, but seeking help from a professional is always the safest bet. If your home uses a forced-air system, such as a furnace, make sure you keep all vents clear of furniture, which can absorb heat and cause blockages and decrease efficiency, and check your air filter every three months. A clean filter will also help your furnace to work more efficiently and will keep your home free of dust and allergens.
When possible, position your furniture near internal walls to avoid drafts and cold from windows and exterior walls. If your headboard is positioned near an internal wall you may avoid waking up with a stiff neck or joints. Swapping cotton for flannel sheets is an effective way to stay warm at night.
Close off unused space. Close vents and doors to rooms that you do not use regularly. Using any of these ideas can keep the heat where it’s needed most — with you and your loved ones!
Control your energy bills by keeping the warm air inside and the cold air outside. With a few simple steps, keep your home warm and cozy this winter without cranking up the thermostat.
Leaks and drafts (typically from doors and windows) are the most common way a home loses heat and can raise energy costs from 5% to 30% per month. You can fight against a rise in your energy costs with any of the following options:
Open your curtains and let in sunlight during the day to benefit from the natural warmth of the sun. Close your curtains at dusk to help retain that warmth. Thick curtains that fall below the bottom of the windowsill are the most effective at keeping in the heat. Caulk windows frames to ensure a leak-proof seal. Use a draft guard or a rolled up towel at the bottom of doors will minimize drafts.
If your home uses a radiator, much of the heat it gives out is being absorbed by the wall it is mounted on. Installing insulating foil behind it will greatly help reflect warmth into your home. A word of caution: this will require you to remove your radiator so be sure you know the proper procedure. You can find this information online or by asking at your local hardware store, where you can also purchase the supplies needed, but seeking help from a professional is always the safest bet. If your home uses a forced-air system, such as a furnace, make sure you keep all vents clear of furniture, which can absorb heat and cause blockages and decrease efficiency, and check your air filter every three months. A clean filter will also help your furnace to work more efficiently and will keep your home free of dust and allergens.
When possible, position your furniture near internal walls to avoid drafts and cold from windows and exterior walls. If your headboard is positioned near an internal wall you may avoid waking up with a stiff neck or joints. Swapping cotton for flannel sheets is an effective way to stay warm at night.
Close off unused space. Close vents and doors to rooms that you do not use regularly. Using any of these ideas can keep the heat where it’s needed most — with you and your loved ones!