Winter is in full swing, and keeping your home warm and cozy doesn’t have to come with a hefty heating bill. If you're in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, where the cold can be relentless, there are several energy-saving tips that can help you reduce your heating costs this winter.
Here are five effective heating hacks that will help you stay warm while saving on energy:
1. Seal Up Drafts and Leaks, and Seal Off Rooms
The first place to start when trying to save on heating costs is by preventing heat from escaping. A lot of energy can be lost through drafts and leaks, especially around doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
Quick Fix: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around doors and windows. Install outlet sealers to block any drafts from power outlets, and consider adding a door sweep to the bottom of doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Room-Specific Tip: If you have rooms you don’t use frequently, seal off these spaces to avoid wasting heat. Close the vents in those rooms and shut the door to keep warm air where it’s most needed.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat plays a significant role in your heating bill. The trick is to use it strategically to avoid unnecessary heating costs.
Energy-Saving Tip: Set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away or sleeping. Even lowering it by 10-15°F (5-8°C) for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% annually on heating costs. For convenience, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts based on your schedule.
Also, keep in mind that while you save on heating, be sure to keep the temperature warm enough for pets when you’re away from home. Pets are sensitive to cold temperatures, so be mindful of their comfort as well.
3. Use Space Heaters Wisely and Circulate Air
Rather than cranking up the heat in your entire home, using space heaters in the rooms you’re actively using can help target warmth where you need it most.
Pro Tip: Place a space heater in your living room or bedroom to heat specific areas, but be sure to turn it off when you're not in the room. This strategy can keep your home comfortable without raising your overall heating bill.
Additionally, consider using fans to circulate warm air from room to room. This simple method minimizes the need to have a heat source in each individual room. A ceiling fan running on low can help spread warm air across larger spaces, making your heating system more efficient.
4. Maximize the Sun’s Heat
Even in the cold months, the sun can be a free and natural way to help heat your home.
How to Take Advantage: Open your curtains during the day to allow sunlight to enter and warm your rooms. Once the sun sets, close the curtains to keep the warmth inside. This simple trick helps trap heat without using extra energy.
Did you know that about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows?
You can reduce this loss with simple window coverings. Use plastic window coverings to reduce cold air transfer through glass windows, or use curtains to give you greater control over your home's comfort and energy consumption. Opening the curtains during the day allows sunlight and warmth into a room, while closing them at night can help trap heat inside.
5. Recycle Heat from Household Appliances
You can make use of heat generated from everyday appliances to raise the temperature in your home.
How It Works: After cooking with an indoor oven or running the dishwasher, leave the appliance doors open to allow the heat to disperse into your home. Similarly, leave the hot water in the bathtub after you bathe or shower—this will help heat the surrounding air.
Just remember, appliances are not intended for space heating and can be unsafe if used as a primary heat source. The key is to allow the heat generated after the use of these appliances to move freely into your space. Why let that heat go to waste?
Final Thoughts
By implementing these five energy-saving heating hacks, homeowners in Lunenburg County can enjoy a warmer home without the financial strain of high winter heating bills. From sealing drafts to recycling heat from household appliances, small adjustments can lead to big savings.
For more advice or help contact a trusted local professional at Dalton Jodrey Plumbing & Heating Ltd.. We’ve been serving the Lunenburg County area for over 50 years, helping homeowners stay warm and save energy during the harsh winter months.
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