Like many of us, you are probably bracing yourself for the upcoming winter season and the high energy bills that accompany the cold weather months. However, your home heating costs don’t have to rise when outside temperatures fall. In this month’s blog article, the home comfort specialists at Main Stream Mechanical share seven ways to help reduce the cost of heating your home, while still keeping you comfortable.
1. Let the sunshine in.
Bring the sun rays into your home on warmer days by opening the curtains, especially on your south-facing windows. Close your curtains when the sun goes down to keep heat from escaping.
2. Use ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans can be used to achieve better airflow. Turn your ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down. A clockwise fan direction will trap heat inside and keep your rooms warmer.
3. Limit ventilation fans.
Bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans pull any hot air that rises to the ceiling out of your room and your home. Use exhaust fans sparingly, and turn them off when you are finished.
4. Keep drafty windows covered.
Weatherizing your windows can help keep cold air from entering your rooms. Tape clear, plastic film on the inside of your window frames to create a barrier between the cold and warm air. Likewise, when drawn closed, insulated window treatments can keep cold window drafts at bay, while helping to keep the warm air in your room.
5. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than your regular daytime temperature before going to sleep or leaving your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat a few degrees over an 8-hour period can yield a 10 percent savings on your annual heating bill. For added ease-of-use, consider installing a programmable thermostat. To avoid frozen pipes, you shouldn’t lower your thermostat during extremely cold weather.
6. Schedule an annual service appointment.
Keeping your heating system properly maintained will improve energy efficiency and help you save money. Schedule an annual maintenance check with the Main Stream Mechanical team to address any concerns before they become big problems and keep your furnace/boiler at peak performance.
7. Reduce heat loss from your fireplace.
Keep the damper closed when your fireplace isn't in use to prevent warm air from making a quick exit. Remember to open the flue before you start your next fire.
HOME HEATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR IN NH, MA
Main Stream Mechanical provides heating system installation, maintenance, and repair in Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, and other locations across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Let the service pros at Main Stream Mechanical tune-up your heating system in time for the winter season. Contact us today to schedule your annual home heating system checkup.
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