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5 Simple Ways to Maximize Your Homes Heating Efficiency

Whether you’re looking to cut your energy costs or just become more green, making simple changes to your home can make a big difference. These tricks won’t cost you any money or months of renovations.

Draught proofing your doors and windows can prevent heat loss, which will lower your heating bills. This is especially important if you live in an older house.

1. Install a Thermostat

Thermostats are a vital part of your home’s heating system. They control the air temperature inside your home or business, which is why it’s important to keep them in good working order. A thermostat that isn’t properly functioning can increase your energy bills and even put unnecessary strain on your equipment, which can shorten its lifespan.

Installing a new thermostat can help you save money, increase comfort and even improve your indoor air quality. The most efficient thermostats are programmable, which means you can set them to automatically adjust to your routine. By setting them to lower the temperature at night and when no one is home, you can reduce your energy use without sacrificing comfort. This also helps avoid costly wear and tear over the course of a Michigan winter.

Smart thermostats are another great way to maximize your homes heating efficiency. They have the added advantage of allowing you to remotely change the temperature from your phone or tablet. This is helpful if you have an irregular schedule or need to make last-minute changes because of work, school, or family commitments. When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, it’s always helpful to consult with experts like SCS Plumbing and Heating Ltd, who can guide you in making the right adjustments to your heating system. Their experience in both plumbing and heating solutions can ensure you get the best results for reducing energy costs.

Before you begin installation, it’s important to shut off the power to your old thermostat at the breaker panel. This will prevent you from accidentally receiving an electrical shock while working with the wiring. Next, you will want to find the perfect location for your new thermostat and make sure it’s not blocked by anything such as rugs, furniture, or drapes. Lastly, be sure to read your thermostat’s manual for specific instructions, cautions, and warnings. Depending on the type of thermostat you choose, there may be an app that provides step-by-step directions for installing it.

 

2. Insulate Your Home

When cold air is seeping into your home, it can dramatically reduce your heating efficiency. Luckily, this can be easily fixed with the use of insulation. Insulation acts as a barrier that prevents heat from escaping your home during the summer and preventing cold air from entering in the winter. This reduces energy costs and helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home all year round.

There are several different types of insulation, each designed for a specific climate. Insulation is most commonly installed in the attic and walls, but it can also be added to the basement ceiling, crawl spaces, and garages. It is recommended that you consult with a professional to find the best insulation for your home.

Not only will adding insulation help maximize your homes heating efficiency, it will also increase its resale value. Many buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has been properly insulated, as it will help them save on energy bills in the future. Furthermore, it can also help them prevent mold and moisture damage, which can be costly to repair.

If you notice your friends are declining invites to hang out in your chilly abode, it’s probably time to add more insulation. If you want to learn more about maximizing your homes energy efficiency with the addition of insulation, schedule a free home energy evaluation. We’ll evaluate your home and let you know the areas where you’re losing most of your energy. From there, we’ll provide recommendations for improvement and help you make the changes that will have the greatest impact on your home. Contact us today to set up your appointment!

3. Add a Ceiling Fan

One of the best ways to save energy in your home is to add a ceiling fan. This simple trick will slash your electricity bills while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

During the summer, when temperatures soar, ceiling fans help to create a cooling breeze that accelerates the rate at which your body sheds perspiration. This effect can make your room feel several degrees cooler, which allows you to raise your thermostat without sweating.

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling, however. In fact, a ceiling fan can help you cut your heating costs as well. In the winter, when temperatures drop, spinning your ceiling fan in reverse on a low speed will push warm air down from the ceiling, helping you maintain a steady temperature in the room without increasing the workload on your furnace.

In addition to their practical benefits, ceiling fans also add a touch of elegance and beauty to any space. Moreover, many ceiling fans double as light fixtures, eliminating the need for separate overhead lighting in a room. With such an extensive range of options, it’s easy to find the perfect ceiling fan for your luxury home, whether you prefer a classic farmhouse style or modern industrial design.

When purchasing a new ceiling fan, be sure to check several dimensions to ensure that it’s the right fit for your space. The depth, width, and height of a ceiling fan will all influence its performance and energy efficiency. A deeper, wider fan will be more effective at circulating air than a narrower model. Additionally, it’s important to consider the amount of light your ceiling fan will emit, as this can also affect how much electricity it uses.

4. Turn Off Appliances

As the weather turns colder, your energy bills are likely going up. With higher heating costs and increased use of lights, electricity bills can become a huge concern for many families. But there are several simple ways to reduce your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient.

Turning off appliances and lights when they are not being used can save a significant amount of energy in your home. A programmable thermostat is a great way to ensure that your home is not being overused by allowing you to set a schedule for turning on and off different appliances.

Unplugging unused appliances and electronics is another way to save energy and money in your home. Even when they are turned off, appliances that are plugged in still draw power and are known as “energy vampires.” Unplugging your unused appliances can save a substantial amount of energy in your home.

You can also reduce your electricity usage by installing dimmers on overhead lights and lamps. Leaving lights on throughout the house or having to manually turn them off can cost you a lot of money in your utility bills. Installing a dimmer switch on your lamps will allow you to enjoy the lighting you love while using less energy in your home.

turned off light switch - 5 Simple Ways to Maximize Your Homes Heating Efficiency

Another easy way to save energy in your home is to replace your old single-pane windows with double-pane windows. This will help to keep the heat in your home during the winter and prevent drafts from outside. In addition, you can also use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any leaks around your windows and doors that might be letting air escape. This is an inexpensive and easy project that can help your home to be more energy efficient all year round.

5. Turn Off Electronics

Leaving electronics on even when you aren’t using them is a clear waste of energy. It also increases the risk of fire in the event of a power outage. Disconnecting appliances at the socket isn’t very effective, as they may still draw power through a surge protector or suppressor (also called a “fuse box”). Instead, unplug them completely at the breaker box or fuse panel.

Most common devices, like televisions, cable boxes, microwaves, computers and chargers, consume electricity in a sleep or standby power mode — even though they are physically turned off. To save energy, consider plugging all of these items into a power strip which can be switched off before everyone goes to bed. It’s also important to disconnect any appliance that you don’t use often – for example, most printers live in standby mode and can be easily disconnected before each print.

In addition to turning off electronics, it is important to purchase appliances that are ENERGY STAR-rated. They are typically 25% more efficient than conventional models and can save you a significant amount of money over their lifetimes. Look for energy-efficient light bulbs as well – they use less energy and can significantly reduce your electricity bill.

Other ways to improve your home’s heating efficiency include adding insulation to your attic and using ceiling fans to circulate the heat throughout your home. Lastly, by opening your curtains and shades during the day to allow sunlight in, you can naturally warm your house and avoid the need for additional heating. Combined, these simple tips can help you save big on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

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