As the Texas weather cools down in the months ahead, we know you’ll want to keep your home nice and toasty for yourself, friends and loved ones. But you’ll want to save money while doing it, too. So, here are some tips to help you do both.
Soak it in. When the weather gets chilly, be sure to make the best use of the sun. Open curtains and blinds in south-facing windows during the day, and let the sun help heat your home for free. Just be sure to close them later in the day as the temperature starts to drop.
Change direction. Cool weather doesn’t mean you should stop using your ceiling fans. It just means you should run them in the other direction—clockwise. Most fans have a switch somewhere on the bottom that lets you change direction. Doing this helps push warm air that accumulates near the ceiling downward and throughout the room. It will make your house feel warmer, and you won’t have to run your heater as much. Experts say this can knock a cool 15% off your heating bills.
Seal it up. About 20% of what it costs to heat the average American home could be saved by sealing air leaks. They’re a pretty common problem. But, luckily, they’re relatively easy to find and fix. Tools such as infrared thermometers will help you pinpoint cold drafts. Or, with your doors and windows closed and an exhaust fan on, you can perform a smoke test. Just light a stick of incense near a suspected leak and watch what the smoke does. When leaks are discovered, exterior-grade caulk will help fill small cracks and gaps. Expanding foam will fill larger holes, and weatherstripping and adjustable thresholds will help seal around doors.
Turn it down. When you’re not at home or when you’re asleep, turn your thermostat down. Cutting it back 10 to 15 degrees can save up to 10% on your heating bills, experts say—and this tips works all year long! If you need a little help, consider getting a programmable thermostat. Brands such as the Nest Learning Thermostat™ can save you up to 15% on heating and cooling.
Keep it up. Keeping your heating system in tip-top shape is one of the best ways to cut down on heating costs. And one of the best ways to do that is to stay on top of filter changes. Whether you’ve got a boiler, furnace or heat pump, clean filters will help your system run as efficiently as possible and extend its life. And it’s a great way to save.
Thanks for checking out our cool-weather savings tips. We hope they help you save while keeping warm.
