Keep Your House Warm This Winter Without Breaking The Bank
Everyone who lives north of the Florida/Georgia state line knows that the winter months can be brutal on energy expenses. The biggest energy suck is heating your home and when temperatures dip below freezing we all crank up the thermostat. To help your energy budget this winter, here are some foolproof ways to save.
Seal and close drafty windows and doors. One of the most inexpensive ways to save on your energy bill during the winter is to seal entry points throughout your home. Doing this will literally save money from being thrown out the window. Caulking door and window frames or purchasing weather stripping will keep the cold air out and the warm air in. In addition, a small improvement like this can raise your home’s value.
Heat only the rooms you are using. If you spend most of your time in only a few rooms throughout your home you can adjust your vents to heat those main rooms. All other rooms that you don’t spend a lot of time in can be closed off to help localize your heat source.
Electric heaters and fireplaces are a great alternative to cranking up your thermostat. Both of these options will also keep heat localized instead of heeding your entire home.
Invest in a chimney balloon. Even when your chimney’s flue is closed hot air can escape. A chimney balloon will stop this from occurring.
Lastly, during the day take advantage of the sun. Simply opening your curtains and allowing the sun to shine in will help heat your rooms, but remember to close the curtains again at night to help keep the cold air out.