Home Heating Tips
- Heating is the single biggest energy use in homes. A well maintained heating system will hold down fuel costs and provide reliable comfort.
- Thermostats should be located on an inside wall or where they will not be subject to drafts or heat.
- Use door snakes to reduce drafts.
- Block off your open fireplace when not in use.
- Capture as much sunlight as possible.
- Close curtains before dark to keep heat in.
- Use an extra blanket if you are cold.
- The many small openings in a home can add up to big heat losses. Caulking and weather stripping cracks in walls, floors, windows, and doors will save fuel and money.
- Use ceiling fans to distribute the heat throughout your home.
- Proper insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors also significantly reduces the loss of heat to the outdoors. Insulation will pay for itself in fuel cost savings and home comfort.
- Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as 5% by preventing warm air from escaping to the outside. Double glazed and thermo pane windows can minimize heat escape.
