Spring is coming – but winter keeps poking its head back in for another bout. It has been a long, cold winter, and heating your homes can take up much of your energy bill. Luckily, no matter how many times the snow comes back, there are several essential home improvements that you can undergo to help beat these costs and make your home more energy-efficient.
Invest in a Good Thermostat
When you want your home to have an efficient heating and cooling system, you need a properly working thermostat. Purchase a programmable thermostat that allows you to easily control when your heating unit works and how much heat is being pushed into your home. These incredibly cost-effective thermostat models can regulate the temperature in your home while you’re away, so it does not run up your power bill but maintains a certain level of comfort.
Insulation is Key
Installing insulation properly in your can help keep in any heat or cool air that may otherwise escape. When hot air can escape through walls, floors, and even through the attic, your heating bills will skyrocket, especially during the colder months when the heat is constantly on. While it may cost over $1,000 to install insulation properly, but it can save you just as much in the long-term in heating costs.
Sealing Your Home
An important part of sealing your home is proper insulation, there is much more to it. One simple way to seal heat, or cool air, is to close any small gaps that may leak air, such as windows, doors, and even your fireplace. Use caulk, weather stripping, or sealing foam to make sure heat stays in your home and you could save up to 30 percent on your heating bills each year.
Pay special attention to the heating ducts in your home. Over 25 percent of conditioned air is lost this way, so sealing these ducts is crucial if you want to save on your home’s energy bills and keep your family comfortable. It is better to do this before you lose much of your home’s heated air.
Floor Covering
It will sound unbelievably simple but investing in rugs for your home will help you save on heating costs each winter. If you have tile or wooden floors, you find yourself turning up the heat because the floors are cold. However, by laying out a few thick, comfortable area rugs and you won’t need to use spare heat to keep warm. Some rugs run over $100, but when they are keeping you warm in the winter, it is a simple and worthwhile solution.
Invest in New Appliances
If you do not mind a larger initial investment, you can replace current or aging appliances with those that are more energy-efficient. Washers, dryers, dishwashers and even your refrigerator can be swapped out for a model that saves you hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs.
Consult a Professional
Not everyone is handy, and that means you need to consult an HVAC professional. Whether you need to make sure that your air conditioner is working in the summer months or there has been a cold spell, utilize Santa Rosa heating services and keep your homes comfortable all year round.
Loves home. I am here to provide how to make your home a much better place. 🙂 Blogging about HomeDecor, Home Improvements and more.
