As the snow begins to fall, your home heating system kicks into high gear. This can lead to higher utility costs during the winter, especially if your home heater is not running efficiently. If you have not had system maintenance in the past year, it is important you schedule your annual check-up as soon as possible, as a malfunctioning network can truly cost you in the long run.
Now, apart from regular maintenance, we here at Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing, Inc. want to give you additional heating tips that can help reduce your power usage and costs this winter. Here are some alternative heating tips that will save you money! Try them out!
Hang Curtains Over Large Windows
If you have expansive windowpanes in your home, it is best to cover these up during the winter. Radiant heat loss is inevitable, as windows are not all double-paned or well insulating. This leaves your home susceptible to insufficient insulation, leaving you with less overall climate control. But, don’t fret! This type of heat loss is preventable! By hanging curtains over your windows, you’ll experience better heat in your home. Curtains add a layer of insulation to your space, especially those that are made from heavier fabrics. This upgrade will increase your heating efficiency, as you won’t experience as much heat loss, naturally lowering your utility costs!
Use Your Kitchen More
Now is the time to move your favorite cookbooks from your pantry to your kitchen countertops and get cooking! That’s right, using your heat generating kitchen appliances can increase your home temperature without having to adjust your thermostat. So, try baking and using your oven more, or try perfecting your marinara sauce on your stovetop! This will add heat to your space! Just remember to always turn your kitchen hood on when cooking to wick away any moisture that begins to build up while you cook. Trapped moisture can pose serious risks to your home, so it is imperative that you use your home ventilation system when appropriate.
Rearrange Your Furniture
As mentioned above, windows are a source of heat loss in your home. So, if you have furniture placed against any of your large windows, these spots will naturally be cooler due to their location in your home. Luckily, this is an easy fix! Eliminate that cold draft you feel during your nightly tv show by moving your furniture away from exterior walls! Floating your couch in your room will provide the best insulation if your living space has exclusively exterior walls. Have some fun with this activity, as rearranging your furniture can give your space an entirely new feel! Switch up your feng shui and have a warmer home—it’s truly a win-win!
Adjust Your Ceiling Fans
We all know your ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler; however, what most people do not know, is that your ceiling fans can also make your room feel warmer! How do you accomplish this? By simply switching the rotation of your ceiling fan from counterclockwise to clockwise! This will move warm air down into your room, making your space more comfortable during the winter months, allowing you to supplement your heating efforts and decreasing your heating costs.
Add A Rug To Your Space
Almost 10% of your home heating is lost through your flooring. To mitigate this loss, rugs can be added to provide further insulation to your home. This alone will make your home cozier, giving you and your family a comfortable abode while the snow falls, and the temperatures drop.
For your home heating tune-ups, replacements, and repairs, contact Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing, Inc. at (260) 667-9919 ! We are here to help you keep your space warm this winter.
