Staying Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Winter is a favorite season for many. Some are concocting their favorite hot chocolate recipes, while others are breaking out the heavy-duty blankets and coats to stay warm in the upcoming season.
There’s nothing as comforting as a fully-functioning heating system in the wintertime, but many homeowners are dreading their first heating bill of the season. It doesn’t have to be that way! Instead, try these helpful tips to maintain a warm home without spiking your electric bill.
Let in Natural Sunlight
Did you know that your windows can become a helpful sidekick to your heating system? Opening curtains during the day to allow sunlight to disperse throughout the house is a great way to alleviate your heating costs. If there’s a particular area of your home with sufficient sun exposure, keep your landscaping trimmed to allow your windows to receive the maximum amount of sunlight. Just remember to close the windows at night to trap in all the warm air!
Rearrange Furniture for Better Airflow
Don’t be afraid to mix up your furniture! Not only can it give your living space an aesthetically pleasing upgrade, but it can also help improve the airflow in your home. You may have a couch or ottoman currently blocking your air vent that is hindering the overall performance of your heating system. Inspect your home for any vents that may be covered or obstructed to ensure low heating bills all season long.
Switching Linens
While it may be difficult to part with your spring and summertime bedding, switching to thicker or flannel bed sheets and comforters can help trap the heat in your bed while sleeping. For additional warmth, add some rugs and insulated curtains for your windows. Finally, break out those blankets in storage and bundle up!
Follow Up With Heating Maintenance
We’re all aware of the golden rule of HVAC ownership: following up with professional maintenance! The wintertime is no exception to this rule. In fact, ensuring your system is tuned and in good working order before the first winter chill blows through is key to keeping minimal heating costs.
Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse
It’s officially the time of year to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans! While you may not assume that your ceiling fan has a direct impact on your home’s heating efficiency, think again. Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down towards the living spaces is crucial to giving your HVAC system the extra help it needs this season. This simple switch can save you in potential energy costs!
Check Home Insulation
If your home just can’t seem to keep warm, you may have insufficient insulation. If you suspect it may be time to upgrade your insulation, don’t wait until the dead of winter to act! It’s best to add sufficient insulation before the weather gets cooler and disrupts your home comfort. Not only can improved insulation help keep your heating bills low in the winter, but it minimizes cooling costs in the summertime as well.
Home Heating Specialists in Portland
An insufficient heating system is a surefire way to disrupt the comfort levels in your home this season. Our trained technicians at Sunset Heating & Cooling are eager to serve your heating needs with our premier repair, installation, and maintenance services. We’ll ensure your system works properly and efficiently to serve your household for years to come. For more information on our heating services, give us a call at (503) 500-5866 or complete our online contact form to get started.
