Keeping your home warm and comfortable becomes a top priority as winter approaches.
Here are five ideas:
Insulate Your Home
Be sure to check your attic, walls, and floors for insulation, and consider adding more if necessary. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent drafts.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace
If you rely on a furnace to heat your home, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model. Modern furnaces with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or higher can significantly reduce heating costs.
Upgrade Your Fireplace With an Insert
If you have an old fireplace, it’s probably not nearly as efficient as it could be. But rather than replacing the fireplace or having extensive work done on it, why not just upgrade with a fireplace insert?
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your daily schedule and preferences.
Lowering the temperature when you’re away from home or asleep can save energy and reduce heating costs.
Utilize Ceiling Fans for Heat Distribution
While ceiling fans are typically associated with keeping rooms cool during summer, they can also be used to improve heat distribution in the winter months. Run your fan in the lowest setting in a clockwise direction.