Hello World! Welcome Friends! Heating expenses account for nearly a third of the average utility bill. As utility costs continue to rise, it’s no wonder that homeowners are looking for more ways to save money. Most people turn to professional insulation to get the job done.
But it’s not the only way. There are some simple, cheap, and even free methods to keep your home warm. Used in combination, these methods can significantly lower your annual heating expenses.
What’s the secret to getting the most out of your heating unit? I’ll show you. Here are nine of the most efficient ways to heat a home.
1. Seal Surplus Rooms: One of the Most Efficient Ways to Heat a Home
Why are you heating a room if you’re not using it? Your HVAC unit or radiator will have to double its efforts to keep your home at the right temperature. And that’s just throwing money away.
Do you have a guest room or dining room you scarcely use? Keep the doors shut and locked away from your heating unit. The same goes for your garage and basement.
Before you close the rooms and effectively lower the square footage you need to heat, be sure to shut any unnecessary air vents as well.
2. Use a Chimney Balloon
A chimney can make insulating a house much more difficult. It provides a direct path for hot air to escape your home. Thankfully, you can minimize this heat loss whether or not you use the chimney.
Consider purchasing a chimney balloon to block your chimney’s flue. This simple item creates a seal that prevents hot air from seeping out. You can install and remove chimney balloons without a professional’s help.
Some chimney balloons are easier to remove and install than others. If you use your chimney from time to time, remember to always remove the chimney balloon before lighting the fire.
3. Seal Old Window Frames
Windows are one of the most common culprits of a cold house. As window frames age, they are liable to warp or wear down over time. Eventually, cold air will seep in through these minuscule imperfections.
Glazing windows is a simple task that will save you hundreds in the long run. To test your window frames, hold your hand up to them on cold days. If you feel any cold air coming through, it’s time to get them glazed. You can get a quote for double glazing from a professional or you can tackle the task yourself with some window glazing putty and a few tools. Make sure to focus on the windows in rooms you use most often as they will make the biggest difference in your heating expenses.
That’s why insulating windows is an important way to retain heat. Seal wooden window frames with caulk, a wood filler, or putty — whichever was used in your home. Draught excluders are a fine alternative to avoid messy DIY work.
4. Install Double Glazed Windows
Windows are responsible for 12% to 30% of your heating expenses. Choosing the right window can make a big impact on the overall heat retention of your home.
The most common types of windows are either single glazed or double glazed. Since single glazed windows have only one pane, they make it easy for extreme temperatures to infiltrate your home.
Double glazed windows have two panes and provide superior insulation. Installing new double glazed windows is a wise investment that can reduce your monthly heating bill.
Heat retention isn’t the only reason why double glazed windows are the better option. Compare the differences between double glazed and single glazed windows.
5. Hang Thermal Curtains
When it comes to keeping warm, it’s all about the windows. Take things a step further with thick thermal curtains. These add an additional layer of insulation.
If you want some cost-saving options, hanging up some old blankets does the trick. During the day, you’ll want to keep your curtains open to heat your home with the help of sunlight. But at sundown, it’s time to keep them closed.
6. Check the Insulation
Although many of these suggestions can make your home more efficient, they can’t make up for poor insulation. If you think your home needs professional insulation, you should first contact an energy auditor. They’ll sweep the home and check the walls, roofs, and windows for signs of heat loss.
7. Create Draught Excluders
Doors aren’t always flush with the floor or frame. It’s through these small gaps that you lose heat. Draught excluders are a cheap and simple solution to plug the gap.
What’s a draught excluder? It’s a cushion, typically filled with sand, that you set along the bottom of the door. This plugs the gap like a sandbag.
8. Place Rugs on Wood Flooring
Bare wood floors are gorgeous, but they’re not well insulated. They provide just another way for heat to filter out of your home, especially if the floorboards are old or riddled with gaps. As pretty as they are, it’s in your best interest to cover them up.
Try placing some thick rugs over large swathes of your wood flooring. And if your wood floors are splitting, use a sealant to cover up the cracks.
9. Be Smart With the Thermostat
There is an unbelievable amount of myths when it comes to heating a home. Some people believe they can save money by turning the heat off and on throughout the day. Others subscribe to the myth that it’s cheaper to keep it running.
The reality is it doesn’t matter. They result in identical energy usage. However, the thermostat is an important tool when it comes to energy efficiency.
Heading to work for the day? Turn off the heat. It’s cheaper to warm the house up when you come home rather than keeping it warm all day.
Stay Warm This Winter
You don’t have to deal with a cold house just to save on heating costs. Instead, save money by using some of the most efficient ways to heat a home. Not only will you save money, but you’ll feel less guilty about keeping your heater on through the winter.
But you don’t need to wait for extreme weather to start insulating your home. It’s best to get started early. Whether you’re heating or cooling your home, try some of these methods and see which work for you and your family.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Restaurant Cleaning Services can be Beneficial
Benefits Associated With Wood Pellets
Is your Garden Bringing Down your Home’s Overall Curb Appeal?
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Toodles,
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