If you live in a southern state in the US, you know to expect hot, humid weather in the summer, and you know how to keep cool. But the winter months can be more challenging to handle in your home.
The winters in the south may not be as brutal as in some places, but not knowing how to keep the heat in your home can lead you to turn up the thermostat higher and higher. Doing so can steadily increase your power bill and hurt your wallet. Instead of touching that thermostat, here are some tips on how to keep your home warm.
1. Seal Up Windows and Doors to Prevent Drafts
This tip should be one of the first things you adjust in your home to keep the heat in. Drafts can affect your home’s temperature more than you may realize. You can go to any hardware store and purchase window/door insulating liners. It fits almost any length of window or door in your home and works similarly to tape!
The best way to figure out where to put the liner is to check for drafts coming through any pockets in your windows and then fill the gaps appropriately. Make sure you can fully close the door or window with the installed material.
2. Sunlight at Daytime, Closed Curtains at Nighttime
When it’s a cold but sunny day outside, you may be tempted to keep your curtains drawn to prevent heat loss. But letting sunlight in during the day is a great natural way to warm up almost any room. When the sun sets and the temperatures drop, it’s important to close those curtains and trap any heat.
3. Reverse the Spin of Any Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are not just for use during the summer to keep cool. Did you know that they can change their direction and direct warm air downward? Hot air rises, so it’s typical for the warm air to be found higher up in your home. Reversing your ceiling fans to spin clockwise will help push that warm air down from the ceiling to the sitting area.
4. Replace Your Heating System
Maybe you’ve tried all the tricks above, but you can’t ever seem comfortable. If your heating system is starting to act up and not keeping your home warm, or your power bills are increasing, it may be time to invest in a replacement heater. According to Energy Star’s Replacement Guide, you can easily save up to 20% on your energy bill by replacing your heating system with a new one. The guide shares tips on how to tell if it’s time for a replacement.
While it can be tempting to increase your home temperature if you’re feeling a chill, it’s essential to take extra steps to save money on your energy bill. If you have a heating emergency, call us at (864) 210-5814, and we’ll assist you as soon as possible. An alternative way to reach us is by filling out this service request form.
Need help keeping warm? Ace is here for you.
Ace Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air is a family-owned and run heating and air company in and around Easley, SC. Our experienced professionals are always available to help you with any repair or installation needs. We’re here to help when disaster strikes or when you need the knowledge to prevent foreseeable disasters. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today at (864) 210-5814!
