It may not be very cold now, but winter is coming and we want to leave you with some energy saving tips to staying warm in the winter. You not only want to save money on your heating bill, but also to make sure your mark on the environment is a small as possible. That can be hard for many when you're cold and just want to be warm. Check out these ideas and see think of which ones will work best for you and your family.
Set Your Thermostat: Set the thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and lower it when you’re asleep or away. Each degree that you lower your thermostat cuts your heating bill by 3 to 5 percent. Turn the temperature down further at night and when you’re away for more than four hours.
Wear Your Warmth: Clothing is one of the most efficient forms of insulation. Wear a sweater and thick socks around the house. Long underwear keeps you toasty and can be found in smart fabrics that are light and non-bulky. Keep house shoes and slippers close by to keep your feet warm as well.
Let the Sun Shine In: Open the drapes and shutters on sunny days to help warm your home. Close the drapes at night to help insulate the house from the cold outside air.
Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter: Inspect, clean, or change your system’s air filters regularly (monthly), following manufacturers’ instructions. Dirty filters hamper airflow and overwork the furnace.
Tune up Your Furnace: A heating system can waste up to 50% of the energy it uses if it’s not operating efficiently. Gas furnaces should ideally be tuned up every two years. A simple tune-up can improve a furnace’s efficiency by 5%, saving about 9 therms of gas per year, with a corresponding drop in emissions.
Close Fireplace Dampers: For safety, be sure the fire is out and the ashes are cold before closing a damper. Consider installing a glass door because the fireplace is a major source for heat loss in the home. Try not to use the fireplace and heating system at the same time. Fire needs oxygen and will draw warm air from the rest of the house and replace it with cold air from outside through any leaks that may exist.
Seal the Cracks: The gaps around the windows and doors of the average American house add up to 10 inches by 10 inches. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks around windows, doors, heating ducts, and plumbing. Check any interior utility closets to see if there is cold air coming through them into your home.
At Bayes, it's important to us that you, your family and the environment are taken care of and are healthy. That's why we developed our extensive line of organic home cleaning products that are not only safe, but beneficial for your home. Stop by and see what we have for you!
Stay warm!
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