Most of us just flip on the thermostat and go about our business, but that’s not the most efficient way to heat a home. There are lots of small fixes you can perform that will improve the temperatures in your home. A few small changes in the routines of you and your family can shave hundreds annually from your power bills. Here are some tips to help you make more efficient use of your heating system.
New Thermostat
Part of the efficiency issue has to do with establishing comfort. When it’s cold, we’re tempted to over warm ourselves and then adjust as we begin heating up. If you lower your thermostat to begin with, you’ll get the same level of heating you want at a lower cost. You can also don some light winter clothes to help make the transition easier, or consider under floor heating to warm up your feet. A programmable thermostat will remove many of those issues, because you can schedule when your heating will operate. Set it to lower temperatures during the day and, and slightly higher at night. The highest temperatures should be reserved for times when you’re at home and awake.
Alternate Heating
Heated tile flooring is an effective method to heat your home that costs significantly less than running your HVAC system around the clock. You can program the floor to heat up while you’re sleeping, starting an hour before you wake, so you can feel the benefits immediately. It also gives you radiant heat that warms the rooms better than a space heater. Often times, what’s efficient is heating a single room. So space heaters do have their uses, especially if you’re the only person present in a large house.
Maintenance
Maintenance plays a role as well. Cold weather is a great time to walk your home and look for air leaks. When you feel a draft, walk around feeling the walls and creases for the hole. When you find it, use some caulk to seal it. Old windows can also be a huge problem, so it’s recommended that you replace them with energy efficient ones. There are also reflective products you can use on the roof to raise or lower the temperature using sunlight from above.
Final Thoughts
Heating efficiency hits the wallet hard, so it’s no wonder so many families are looking for methods to do it better. This winter, don’t let the cold run you broke. Make changes now and your heating system will be ready for the frigid temperatures.
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EZ Floor Heat is a manufacturer of ceramic tile floor heating. You can browse heating kits and accessories online at EZ Floor Heat.