Finding inexpensive ways to keep warm during the frigid winter months is imperative if you want to save money on your utility bills. Scheduling an appointment with your local heating maintenance and repair service can help ensure your heating system is in good shape, but beyond that, you'll want to get creative with how you keep out the cold.
Here are seven great ways to keep warm during the winter without spending a fortune.
1. Use Electric Blankets
Using electric blankets will not only keep you warm, but it will also keep you from having to heat your entire house when you're using only one room.
2. Foot Warmers
Fill a water bottle with hot water and put it between the sheets where your feet will be. The hot water will warm your bed, and the water bottle will usually stay warm for most of the night. Another great foot warming idea is to put some rice in a fleece cover and warm it in the microwave. This will keep your feet warm for a few hours.
3. Make Your Radiators More Efficient
If you have radiators, you can attach some tin foil behind them to reflect the heat back into the room. You can also install a shelf above your radiators to channel the heat into the room versus allowing it to rise. Remember to never place large furniture in front of or too close to your radiators because the furniture will absorb the heat. Additionally, the improper use of your heating system could ultimately result in equipment breakdown or failure, which will require you to schedule an appointment for furnace repair to get your HVAC system back in proper working order.
4. Put Down Area Rugs
If you have bare floors, buy some area rugs or have some carpet installed. Floors that aren't insulated can cause up to 10 percent in heat loss.
5. Add New Insulation
Adding new insulation to your attic might seem expensive; however, rolls of foam insulation are relatively cheap and will help keep your home much warmer during the winter, which in turn will help save money on your utility bills. You also should remember to insulate the hatch door and make sure it seals properly when closed.
6. Install a Water Heater Timer
Water heater timers are very cheap and can save you a significant amount of money on your utility bills each month. The timer will automatically turn the water heater on and off based on the times you've pre-programmed. Why should you continually heat a huge tank of water while you're at work or asleep? This is a waste of money. You should also consider buying a programmable house thermostat as well for the same reasons.
7. Schedule an Annual Heating System Inspection
You should have your heating system inspected every year a month or so before you anticipate having to use it. This will keep it in good working order which will not only save you money on your utility bills, but it will also help keep you from having to make an expensive heating repair due to unresolved issues that resulted in a major malfunction.
If you would like more information about how to stay warm in the winter without breaking the bank, call JED Heating & Cooling, Inc in Donora, PA, to talk to an HVAC expert today.
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