Did you know that half the heat your home loses in the winter is through air leaks? Your furnace can be working double time without you even realizing it. There are plenty of ways to save money heating your house, and I hope this article will solve most of your heating problems!
Seal Your Air Leaks
Light a candlestick and gently move it around any doors, windows, electrical outlets and switch plates. If the flame flickers, you have found a leak. Chances are, you will find quite a few leaks, but not to worry! Most leaks can be fixed with a caulking gun and a can of spray foam.
When it comes to using the caulking gun, caulking the inside part of the window or door will last longer than the outside which will save you money in the long run. If there are leaks around electrical outlets try buying cover plates with gaskets.
Insulate Your Water Heater
One of the best ways to save money heating your house is to insulate your electric water heater. Exposed pipes mean lost heat, and you can easily fix this by buying a roll of fibreglass insulation with a foil backing which you can easily wrap and secure around the heater as well as
Just remember that this method is not for heaters that burn gas or oil. In that instance, insulation can block air the needs to reach the flue.
Use Your Fan
This may sound counter-intuitive, but your fan can actually circulate warm air throughout your home. By setting your fan to circulate air upward toward the ceiling, all the warm air that naturally rises will be forced to come down and make your home feel warmer. Pairing that with keeping your home a degree or two lower than normal can make a big difference.
Keep Your Vents Clear
While it may disturb the look of your home, it could end up saving you a lot. Ensure that all your vents and radiators are clear of any furniture or things that could block the flow of air into your home.
Use A Programmable Thermostat
Did you know that a programmable thermostat could help you save 10-20% on your energy bill year-round? By programming your thermostat to heat your home up right after you wake-up, cool down or switch off while you are at work, and heat up on your way home from work and down a notch or two while you are sleeping you can more than cover the cost of your new programmable thermostat in your first month!
Minimize the Use of Kitchen and Bathroom Fans
While these fans eliminate out undesirable smells and moisture in your home, they can also, unfortunately, get rid of a lot of hot air. Minimizing how long or often you use the fans can make a difference.
Call Your Energy Provider
Most of us do not realize that the prices we pay for our energy have a bit of wiggle room. Having a polite, upfront conversation with your energy provider can open up many doors on how to save on your energy bill directly.
There are many ways to save money heating your house – from directly talking to your provider, to insulating your home and keeping it a bit cooler. I hope that some of these tips will make a difference for you this winter and that you are snug and warm this year!
