09 Dec Some Helpful Hints to Stay Warm This Winter
During the cold, dark winter months people spend more time indoors, turn up the heat and spend more on their energy bills. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to keep warm this winter, here are some helpful hints:
- If you have a fireplace and don’t use it, get a chimney balloon. A lot of heat is lost going through the fireplace and up the chimney. Chimney Balloons plug your fireplace flue better than a chimney damper, they stop cold air from coming in and heat from escaping your home. Chimney balloons are sold almost anywhere and the cost of buying one will pay for itself by saving you money on your energy bills.
- If you really want to save money, think about keeping yourself warm versus keeping the house warm. Your house doesn’t care if it’s cold, but you do. Throw on sweaters, get a warm robe, break out the thick blankets and bed sheets. You being comfortable is key, do whatever you need to do to stay warm.
- Another tip to stay warm and save money is to close the heater vents in rooms that you don’t use.
- Keep exhaust fan usage at a minimum. Exhaust fans suck the hot air out of your house, especially in the rooms that they’re used in. If you need to use them in your kitchen or bathroom try to keep the fan use at a minimum or avoid using them altogether.
- If you have ceiling fans, most will have a winter setting. Climb up near the base of the fan, and look for a little button or switch that sets the fan to run in the opposite direction. Warm air rises toward your ceiling, the winter setting will blow the warm air back down.
- Make sure your furniture is not blocking your heater vents or obstructing the airflow. If necessary, move furniture around.
- If you have wood floors, try adding area rugs. Not only does it add style but it will help keep your floors warm.
- It is a good idea to open your blinds and curtains during the day to let the sun light in and heat up your home, then close them at night to keep some of that natural heat in.
Finally, don’t forget to have your HVAC system inspected by a licensed professional to make sure it’s ready for the winter. You might also want to think about getting your ductwork looked at for holes and leaks.
Find out more about HVAC winter inspections, preventative maintenance and winter tips by contacting the experts at Biggs HVAC. Check us out atwww.biggshvac.com or call 919-392-8288 / toll free 1-866-50-BIGGS.