As colder weather moves in, you may already notice your utility bills becoming more expensive. Fortunately, it’s not too late to make some changes around the house that will help you heat your home more efficiently. Here are 5 steps you can take to reduce your heating bill.
Seal Up Openings Around Windows and Doors to Heat Your Home More Efficiently
Drafts coming through the doors and windows lower the energy-efficiency in a home, One of the easiest and most effective tasks to help keep heat inside the home is making sure doors and windows are airtight. This job only requires inexpensive materials like caulk and weatherstripping to seal gaps and cracks in vulnerable areas.
Install a Solar Water Heater
If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint by using solar technology but don’t have the budget for a full solar panel system, consider installing a solar water heating system.
Another way to save energy is to insulate the water heater tank. This step requires a minimal investment, as water heater insulation blankets are affordable.
Keep Curtains Open During the Day
Sunlight streaming through the windows raises the temperature inside, Keep the curtains open on a sunny day to bring up your indoor temperatures for free. Your thermostat will detect that the indoor temperature is warmer and keep the heating system from working as hard.
South-facing windows receive the most sunlight during the middle of the day, with east-facing windows getting more sunlight in the morning and west-facing in the evening. Purchase thick, thermal curtains to cover all of your home’s windows at night to help keep the heat inside.
Heat Your Home More Efficiently with a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat is a useful tool to make sure you aren’t pumping heat into your home while no one is home. Program the thermostat so it adjusts to the schedules of your family members.
If the people in your household don’t have a routine schedule, a smart thermostat is a good investment. With a smart thermostat, you can control the temperature remotely from your smartphone. More advanced smart thermostats can even detect when someone comes home or leaves and will adjust the temperature accordingly.
Add to the Existing Insulation
Every house needs adequate insulation to retain indoor heat. The insulation should be the correct R-value and in good condition, with no gaps or missing areas of insulation. Have a professional inspect the insulation in your home if you struggle to heat it efficiently. The insulation may need to be replaced or added to if it is missing or damaged.
Guardian Home Inspection Services serves Southwest Michigan with home inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.