When temperatures drop, many homes naturally use more energy to stay warm. If you have noticed your heating system working harder this time of year, you are not alone. Winter weather can have that effect.
Everyone’s home and routine are different, but here are a few ideas you might find helpful as you look for ways to stay comfortable and possibly reduce energy use:
- Give your vents a quick check: Sometimes furniture or rugs end up covering heat registers without anyone realizing it. Making sure vents have a little room around them can help warm air flow more easily.
- Consider using a programmable thermostat schedule: Some households like to create a simple heating schedule, so temperatures adjust automatically during sleep or work hours. It can be a helpful way to stay comfortable without needing to think about it throughout the day.
- Add small touches of insulation: Draft stoppers, thicker curtains, or similar additions can sometimes help reduce heat loss in areas that tend to feel chilly.
- Close window coverings at night: Curtains and blinds provide a helpful layer of insulation after the sun sets, which may help hold warmth inside.
- Check for hidden heat loss: Homes with unused fireplaces sometimes benefit from a temporary chimney balloon or fireplace plug that helps keep warm air from escaping.
- Warm up from the ground up: Area rugs on hardwood or tile floors can add comfort and help reduce heat loss since floors often cool down quickly in winter.
- Show your heating system a little love: Replacing furnace filters regularly can help it run smoothly, especially when it is working hard in winter.
Every household is unique, and even small changes can make a difference. Choose the options that feel right for you.