Rising energy costs and cold weather have made for an expensive home heating season so far. You may have no control over these factors, but there are still plenty of things you can do to promote more efficient heating for the rest of winter.
Plug Up Drafts
The most obvious drafts come from your windows and doors. Seal stationary gaps and cracks with caulk and replace worn-out weatherstripping in movable joints. Other leaky areas include attic floor penetrations, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, electrical outlets, and wiring and plumbing penetrations. Seal these areas with caulk, expanding spray foam, and foam gaskets.
Increase Attic Insulation
After sealing attic floor leaks, help cut your heating bills even further by adding more insulation. A several-inch-thick layer should cover the entire attic floor. If you see the rafters poking through, that’s a sign you could use more insulation. And don’t forget to insulate the attic hatch as well.
Insulate Your Windows
You probably won’t need to open your windows until spring, so give the glass extra insulating power with storm windows. A less costly alternative is to cover your windows and sliding glass doors with clear plastic film. Installation is easy, and the pocket of air helps to insulate against the cold. Rest assured that insulating window film won’t harm your trim and is easy to remove come spring.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Program the thermostat with automatic setback periods when you’re away or sleeping. A 10-degree setback for eight hours twice a day can lower your heating bills by up to 10 percent. Save even more with a smart Wi-Fi thermostat that intelligently adapts to your schedule beyond the programming you provide.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
If you forgot to schedule preventative maintenance last fall, it’s still not too late to have your furnace tuned up. By changing the air filter, lubricating moving parts, cleaning the burners, checking the fuel line, and tightening electrical connections, your HVAC technician can help maximize heating efficiency and safety. Better performance means improved comfort and lower heating bills.
Find Other Sources of Heat
Your furnace isn’t the only way to heat your home. Throw open the curtains on sunny days for natural solar heating. Leave the oven open after baking to heat your kitchen a little more. Use your wood-burning stove or fireplace to discard scrap wood, fallen tree branches, or wood pellets for essentially free heat. Finally, don a sweater and drink a cup of herbal tea to warm up from the inside.
The HVAC services from Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are designed to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long. Whether you want to upgrade your thermostat, maintain your heater, or install a new furnace, we’ve got you covered. Count on us for a great customer experience and quality HVAC services. To schedule an appointment, please call 801-877-2184 for Utah County residents or 801-877-2536 if you live in Draper or Sandy. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.
