Winter is coming, and that means colder temperatures and higher energy bills. But don't worry, dads! We've got you covered. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to prepare your house for winter and stay warm, and save money. By following these simple tips, you can keep your energy bills low and enjoy a cozy home during the coldest months of the year.
Make Sure To Get A Seasonal Furnace Inspection
Very few people haven’t considered what the winter will be like since we know that prices have skyrocketed. Ahead of the winter, it is a good idea to ensure that all of your heating systems are in good working order. Getting an HVAC contractor out for some maintenance and repairs if needed is one of the most important things you can do. Here are some others.
Portable Heaters Can Help Isolated Spots Stay Warm
While portable heaters aren't the most efficient option when it comes to heating your home, they can be a good way to warm certain spots that would otherwise require pumping large amounts of hot area into an area. For instance, instead of heating up your entire garage or basement, maybe consider a space heater to keep your legs warm instead.
Invest In A Smart Thermostat
If you crank up the thermostat to combat the cold when your house is already cold, you will see a steep increase in your costs. The best thing you can do to stay warm is to keep your thermostat at a lower steady temperature. You can do this by upgrading to a digital or programmable thermostat which will give you more control over the temperature in your home.
Update Your Windows To Energy Efficient Models
If your windows are old and leaky, they are likely costing you a fortune in heating costs. By upgrading to energy-efficient windows, you can reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your home and save money on your energy bills. You may also be eligible for a tax credit if you upgrade to certain types of energy-efficient windows.
Even if you aren't ready to replace your windows you can still do an inspection and look for leaks, cracks, and other areas that you can fix or mitigate by placing draft stoppers or curtains to help insulate them better.
Solar Panels Work In Winter Too
While solar panels generally work about half as well during the winter due to clouds, snow cover, and other weather issues - they can still be a great help when it comes to making your home more energy efficient during winter.
For instance, solar panels can help to offset some of the costs associated with heating your home and can also help to heat water which can save you even more money.
Additionally, solar water heaters will also work during the winter as well so just because you don't live in a sunny state like Arizona or California ... don't think you shouldn't consider solar energy to offset your winter heating bills.
Humidity Can Make Your Home Seem Warmer
A humidifier can help you turn the thermostat a few degrees lower. They remove indoor drying air and make the air moisture. Moisture air is better at keeping warm than dry air. Of course, you’ll need to check for possible mold. Some people find it more comfortable to sleep at night with a humidifier as it helps to maintain a single temperature.
Wear Warmer Clothing Including Layers That You Can Easily Remove
Keeping your kids warm is probably top of your mind, and layers are the best thing to do. Thick socks and layers of t-shirts and jumpers can ensure that everyone is warm - even when the winter weather outside is frightful.