It's getting colder every day here in the Hampton Roads area, and it's time to start considering winter energy costs. Keeping your house nice and toasty all winter long can cost you a bundle, but you can employ a few simple strategies to save energy and money this season.
Find And Seal Leaks
Air creeps in through cracks around windows, doors, vents, pipes and fans. Sealing these leaks can go a long way toward reducing your energy costs. As an added bonus, sealing up cold air leaks in basements, attics and crawl spaces can also lessen the chances of exposed water pipes freezing in these areas.
Utilize Your Thermostat
You can save energy by turning your thermostat down to the lowest temperature you and your family are comfortable with. Even a few degrees make a big difference, and you can take it a step further by turning your thermostat down even more at night, and when nobody's home. Adding a humidifier will allow you to keep your home cooler while you and your family feel warmer:-)
Maintain Your Heating System
Furnace filters should be changed every month, and the beginning of winter is a perfect opportunity to give your furnace a fresh filter. It's also a good idea to have your furnace inspected and serviced by a certified technician before winter really sets in.
Harness the Sun
The sun has been doing a pretty good job of keeping the Earth warm for billions of years, and you can use it to your advantage. Open the shades on south-facing windows on a sunny day to let the sun heat your house for you and give your furnace a break.
Use Your Fireplace Wisely
There's nothing like a roaring fire on a cold winter night, but at times when you're not using your fireplace, warm air might be leaking out through the chimney. Keep the damper closed to put a lid on unnecessary heat loss.
Keeping warm in winter can be a full time job, but it doesn't have to cost your entire salary. Contact us at Russell's Heating and Coolingfor more tips and useful information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our special offers and get started today!