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Our homes should shelter us from the frigid winter temperatures. You may want more warmth if you shiver while inside your home. Most homeowners increase the temperature settings in their thermostats to get more heat. This works, but it also drives up your energy expenses. It isn’t a good exchange. Fortunately, alternative strategies, like heating hacks for home, are available to improve your home comfort without increasing your energy bills. Keep reading to learn some heating tips for your home.
10 Winter Heating Hacks Without Cranking Up the Thermostat
This article lists ten home heating hacks to enhance your comfort during winter.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
![image of smart thermostat depicting energy savings from programmable thermostat](https://www.lakeregionenergymaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-of-smart-thermostat-depicting-energy-savings-from-programmable-thermostat.jpg)
Your home’s heating needs vary at different times of the day. This means you need to adjust your thermostat settings depending on the situation. Manually setting your thermostat at different temperatures at different times of the day can be tiring. It is better to automate this task so you won’t have to worry about it throughout the day. Consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat, as this can adjust the settings for you without fail. It is an affordable and easy-to-use device. Several models even have movement sensors, allowing them to determine whether there are no occupants and adjust the heat for higher efficiency.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
HVAC systems have air filters to trap contaminants such as pollen, dust, and dirt. This way, your home becomes healthier, and your system stays in good condition. Keep in mind that filters are effective for a limited period. The dirt accumulation on their surfaces can eventually clog them and prevent air from flowing through. As a result, heating problems may occur. Make sure you check the air filters once a month and change them as needed. Fresh filters reduce energy usage and improve system performance.
Stop Door Drafts
![image of a door draft stopper for heating efficiency](https://www.lakeregionenergymaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-of-a-door-draft-stopper-for-heating-efficiency.jpg)
Doors don’t wholly fit together with the frame. You can always find some gap that keeps the door from scraping the floor as it swings. This gap lets cold air into your home, lowering the temperature and pushing your heating system to work harder. Place a door draft stopper in front of the door to prevent this issue. You can buy a dedicated product online or make your own using sand and cloth. Ensure the door draft stopper covers the entire door width so cold air cannot get in from underneath.
Add Window Insulation
Glass windows allow us to see the outdoors. They may also let heat escape from your home. Minimize this issue by installing double-pane windows. Unfortunately, these may be expensive. A cheaper and faster alternative is to use plastic film. Window film insulation kits can block cold drafts and are reasonably priced. All you need to do is cut the sheets according to size and use adhesive tape to install them on your windows. Seal the film with the help of a hairdryer. You can peel these see-through plastic when winter is over. These films also don’t leave residue on the window glass.
Seal Window Gaps
![image of a man with caulking gun and sealing air drafts](https://www.lakeregionenergymaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-of-a-man-with-caulking-gun-and-sealing-air-drafts.jpg)
It isn’t enough to just insulate your window. You need to seal the gaps around them as well. Change old and damaged caulking. You can also add weatherstripping to stop cold air from getting in. These should help maintain your home’s warmth and comfort. The exterior and interior of the windows can be sealed. Some homeowners may try to do these on their own, but professionals help you achieve better results.
Let The Sunshine Inside Your Home
The best natural heat source we have is the sun. It can help you make your house warmer for free. The sun can help increase your indoor temperature so you are less dependent on your furnace during the day. All you need to do is open the blinds and draw the curtains so the sun’s rays can shine through. Keep in mind that the sun rises from the east and sets to the west. This means natural heat impacts different rooms throughout the day. Close the blinds and curtains at night so the indoor heat does not escape.
Reverse The Fan Rotation
The blade’s rotation dictates its direction. A ceiling fan spinning clockwise lets warm air rise. Use this strategy during the summer to feel relief from the heat. Whereas a fan rotating counterclockwise allows warm air to fall. You want it this way during winter when temperatures can turn unbearably cold. Try this simple house hack and feel the difference right away.
Open Interior Doors
Close exterior doors as much as possible so cold air doesn’t get in your home. This doesn’t hold true for interior doors, as you can keep them open for improved air circulation. Doing this helps you achieve even heating throughout your house. Do this step, especially in rooms with vents linked to the central heating system. Keep the doors closed on rooms you don’t want to be heated.
Check and Improve Insulation
Increasing the thermostat setting isn’t helpful if the house is poorly insulated. Heat will only escape outdoors. Check your insulation to determine how it is doing. Pay careful attention to exterior walls, basement, and attic. Your current insulation may be old and damaged. Consult an insulation professional regarding your existing insulation’s condition and how to improve your home’s efficiency and comfort. Ensure that you use insulation made of moisture-resistant materials with a high R-value. Have a professional check this in the fall so you have enough time to upgrade if needed.
Cook A Feast
The HVAC system isn’t your home’s only heat source. Other appliances also produce heat, although this may not be their main purpose. Examples of such appliances are the oven and stove in your kitchen. Baking or cooking can help you get warm fast. When your dish is ready, remove it from the oven, but keep the door open so the heat can circulate throughout your kitchen. Enjoy your warm meal in a warm space. Ensure that pets and kids aren’t near the hot appliance to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Additional heat can come from several sources other than your HVAC system. This means you don’t always have to rely on your heating unit to spike your indoor temperature. The sun, ceiling fan, and cooking appliances can help you do this. You can also feel warmer inside your home by retaining more heat. Do this by closing doors, sealing windows, and enhancing home insulation. You can also improve your HVAC system’s performance by installing programmable thermostats and replacing the air filters. Contact an experienced HVAC technician to learn more about advanced heating solutions.
Call Lake Region Energy For All Your HVAC Requirements
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Lake Region Energy provides high-quality heating and cooling services in Maine and New Hampshire. We are the leading provider of excellent HVAC repairs, replacements, tune-ups, and installations. Our professionally certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system safely and correctly.
Rest assured that our company offers quality and cost-effective services. Our maintenance services can increase energy efficiency, improve home comfort, and lower heating bills. We can provide the most suitable solution for your repair or replacement system needs while keeping your budget in mind. Your satisfaction is always our priority, which is why all our work is guaranteed. Make sure to call Lake Region Energy today to schedule a service appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.
For more information about our fuel deliveries and HVAC services, be sure to contact Lake Region Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (207) 839-5500 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.