Tips for Preventing Increased Heating Costs in the Fall and Winter
As the temperature drops in the fall and even further in the winter, those beautiful New Hampshire fall leaves disappear and make way for the snow. It’s wonderful on a crisp, cold day to be able to retreat indoors for warmth and comfort.
It’s worrisome though how quickly those heating costs can rise. It’s important to remember that heating costs are variable, meaning that your efforts can directly impact how much you have to pay for heating. Here are some good tips.
Close the Chimney Damper
While gathering around the crackling fireplace in the fall and winter is a lovely way to get warm, if you leave the damper open when you are done, you are making yourself very vulnerable to heat loss.
As a rule, do whatever you can to block the flow of warm air up and out the chimney, as well as the flow of cool air back inside. In addition to keeping the damper closed when the fireplace isn’t being used, consider also putting in a chimney balloon, which inflates to block the air flow.
Protect the Windows
Another vulnerable area in your home for heat loss is the windows. Hang insulated curtains or shades, which will help trap cold air before it enters the home and keep warm air from escaping. Hang window film by attaching it to the window frame with double-sided tape. You can then mold it in place using heat to work out the wrinkles (use a hair dryer).
Run the Ceiling Fan
Keep that ceiling fan running through the fall and winter, but change the direction of the blades. Run the fan in reverse (clockwise) to funnel the warm air that rises naturally back down through the room below. It’s an effective way to heat the room, using little energy.
Leave the Curtains Open
The sun, even in fall and winter, can provide an excellent heat boost to your home. The sunshine will warm sun-exposed rooms effectively, without you having to even raise the thermostat.
Arrange for Furnace Maintenance
It’s important to have your furnace serviced on a seasonal basis so that you can make sure that it is running as energy efficiently as possible. Your furnace works by converting energy to heat (i.e. gas, electricity, etc.). You want to make its job as easy as possible by making sure everything is clean and in working order. The harder your furnace has to work, the more that it costs you.
Close Exterior Door Gaps
If gaps exist between exterior doors and the threshold, you need to make them air tight. You can do that with magnetic weather stripping, or by installing an adjustable threshold that will raise the level well, closing the route for warm air to escape.
Worried about heating costs this fall and winter in Manchester, NH? Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. can give you more information on these and other tips on how to save with your heating systems. Call us today at (603)-674-9885.
