Steps to make your home warmer in cool weather

With summer coming to an end, it's time to bolster the house to invite the chilly cold winters without worry. For most of us, it's the perfect time to call an HVAC service for an annual furnace tune-up while also keeping in mind the high energy bills that will come our way in the coming months. However, it should be welcome news to hear that turning the thermostat to full blast isn't the only way to keep warm during the chill. Homeowners can embrace a few simple and affordable practices to reduce the cold and save energy.

Here are some tips to keep the home toasty and warm this winter while staying within a budget:

Home energy audit

Conducting an energy audit in anticipation of winter will help save money, lower the carbon footprint, and guarantee everyone's health and safety in the home. Hire professionals to assess energy use patterns in the home thoroughly. They will offer solutions for problem areas and cut the energy used to make the house warmer and more efficient, which will end in lowered energy bills.

Use those curtains effectively

Assuming the home gets natural light, take the opportunity to open the curtains or blinds and invite as much sunlight as possible. This will warm the interior and costs virtually nothing. Put the curtains to their original position when the sun sets to hold onto warm air and push cold air out.

Ceiling fan direction 

The majority of homeowners don't use their ceiling fans as anything but a summer necessity. They don't realize that ceiling fans can be equally useful in the winter. All that needs to be done is to turn the blades anti-clockwise. Many fans have a switch that allows them to be changed to push the warm air down and spread around the room.

Install a fireplace

Think about putting in a fireplace to heat the home. It can be pleasing décor while staving off the cold in tandem. Decide between a wood or electric fireplace, both of which are easy and convenient to utilize. Electric ones have been gaining in popularity since they're not as messy and virtually hassle-free.

Insulate 

A way to prevent 25% to 30% heat loss is to maximize insulation in the available attic and crawl spaces. This will stop warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping into the house through poor insulation. It can be done to the walls, floors, and windows as well to maintain energy efficiency.

Stop up the leaks

Planning to draught-proof the doors, windows, and flooring can dramatically alter the warmth indoors. Acquire sealing materials from the local hardware store and monitor and fill all the gaps and holes. Utilize weatherstripping to stop the heat from escaping beneath the door.

Examine the supply and return vent

Make sure nothing is blocking the supply or return vents to block the airflow. Place the furniture properly to avoid cutting off heat circulation.

Maintaining a warm home in winter doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune. These suggestions will help delineate some of the pressure on the furnace and keep your house warm and comfortable.

When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.