7 Expert Heating Tips to Stay Cozy and Save Money!

As the temperatures drop and the winter chill sets in, keeping your home warm and cozy is the top priority. Heating your home in winter can be a huge expense, however, and finding a balance between comfort and cost effectiveness is crucial. Fortunately, there are several expert heating tips that can help you stay cozy and save money during the coldest months of the year and save some money on your heating bills from the experts at Moore Home Services.

1. Optimize Your Heating System

Before you can maximize your home’s heat, you need to be sure your heating system is in good working order. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, which can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Perform regular maintenance, which should include your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. A professional technician will inspect and clean key components to ensure that your system runs its best and address any issues before they become major problems. If your heating system is outdated, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer systems often have improved energy ratings and advanced features, such as programmable thermostats and zoned heating, which allows you to maximize efficiency by controlling the heat in different areas of your home. Leaky ducts and insufficient insulation can lead to significant heat loss. Have your ducts inspected and sealed if necessary. You should also make sure your home is adequately insulated, especially in the attic and walls. This will help you contain the warm air and optimize energy consumption.  

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a powerful tool for saving money on heating costs without compromising your home’s comfort. These thermostats allow you to set specific temperature schedules for different times of the day or week, so you can ensure your home is warm when you want without spending a lot of money to heat an empty house.   Here are some benefits of a programmable thermostat:

• Setback temperatures:Program the thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re away at work or asleep. Even just a few degrees can lead to substantial savings over time. Smart thermostats can offer more convenience by automatically adapting to your schedule and preferences.
• Zoned heating:If your home has different heating zones, use the thermostat to control each zone individually. For example, you can keep the living room warm in the evening while keeping the bedroom cooler at night.
• Maintenance reminders:Some programmable thermostats offer maintenance reminders, such as filter replacement alerts. Keeping your system maintained ensures it operates efficiently, especially as it takes more wear and tear over the long winter.

3. Embrace Natural Heat Sources

You need your heating system to stay warm during the winter months, but you can maximize natural heat sources to help maintain a cozy atmosphere and reduce your heating costs. Here are some options to consider: Open your curtains and blinds during daylight hours to allow sunlight into your home. Sunlight can raise the indoor temperature by several degrees, reducing the need for additional heating.   Use area rugs on hardwood or tile floors to provide insulation and prevent heat from escaping through the floor. Rugs not only add warmth but contribute to your home’s décor. Seal leaks and drafts around the windows and doors. If you have drafts, it can make your home feel colder than it actually is. Plus, you’re paying more to deliver heat outside. Use weatherstripping and sealant to close any gaps and prevent cold air from seeping in. If you have a fireplace, make sure that the damper is closed when it’s not in use to prevent warm indoor air from escaping through the chimney. You can also install a fireplace insert, which increases the efficiency of your fireplace by radiating heat into the room.

4. Practice Zone Heating

As mentioned, zoned heating can significantly reduce your energy use. Even if your heating system doesn’t offer zoned heating, you can use several options to heat only certain spaces of your home and enjoy the same benefits.

• Use space heaters:Space heaters are convenient and energy-efficient options to warm a specific area. Instead of keeping your central heat cranked, put a space heater in the room you’re occupying to stay cozy. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave a space heater unattended.
• Close doors:Keep doors closed if you’re not using a room to contain the heat in the living areas. This is a small and simple step that can make a huge difference in maintaining a more comfortable temperature.
• Invest in zoning systems:If you’re upgrading your heating system, consider installing a zoned system that allows you to control different areas of your home independently. You can often retrofit a zoned system to existing HVAC systems.

5. Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation is the cornerstone of energy-efficient heating. Insulation creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping your home. Inadequate insulation can lead to significant heat loss, which forces your heating system to work harder and use more energy. Here’s how to make the most of your insulation:

• Install attic insulation:A significant amount of heat loss occurs through the attic. Ensure that your attic is well-insulated to keep warm air from rising and escaping through the roof.
• Install wall insulation:Insulating exterior walls is a crucial step for maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. If your home doesn’t have wall insulation, consider bringing in a professional to install or repair it.
• Seal gaps and cracks:Along with insulating the walls and attic, check for any gaps or cracks in your home’s interior. This often occurs around doors and windows, but also check areas where pipes or wires enter your home. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them.
• Install floor insulation:If you have a crawlspace or unheated basement, insulate the floor above it to prevent heat loss. This is especially important if you have hardwood or tile floors, which can allow a lot of cool air into your living area.

6. Dress Warmer

You can significantly reduce your heating costs by dressing a little warmer inside and keeping your heat lower. For example, layering clothing is a great way to stay warm without cranking up the heat. Consider wearing thermal undergarments, sweaters, and thick socks, which can make a huge difference in how warm you feel – and how low you can keep your thermostat. Blankets are another option to stay warm. Keep blankets on hand to use when sitting on the couch or at your desk. Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket can help you stay warmer without cranking up the thermostat. Cold feet can make your whole body feel cold. Invest in warm, insulated slippers or socks to keep your feet toasty. You may find that this is all you need to stay comfortable. Make sure to encourage your family members or roommates to dress warmer indoors. If everyone takes steps to dress appropriately, you can have your home at a temperature that’s more comfortable without skyrocketing heating bills.

7. Leverage Technology and Smart Devices

There are plenty of technology tools and devices that can make your home’s heating more efficient. Here are some options to upgrade your home’s tech to stay cozy:

• Smart thermostats:A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app to adjust your home’s temperature when you’re not home. For example, you can drop your home’s temperature when you leave for work and set it to turn on just before you return, ensuring that you have a comfortable home without paying for heat all day long.
• Home automation:Home automation systems that integrate your heating, lighting, and other devices can adapt to automated routines to adjust to your schedule and the climate. However, if you have family members or pets at home, make sure to consider their heating needs in the schedule.
• Voice-activated assistants:Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home allow you to control your thermostat using voice commands. This is more convenient and energy efficient when you’re busy and want to adjust the temperature.
• Energy-efficient appliances:When you’re replacing appliances, look for energy-efficient options like Energy Star heaters that can help reduce your overall energy consumption. This is a good option if you’re getting ready to upgrade as well.
• Remote monitoring:Some heating systems have features that allow for remote monitoring and maintenance. This can help you identify issues before they become major problems and reduce energy waste.

Optimize Your Home’s Heating with Moore Home Services

These expert heating tips should help you stay cozy and save money on your heating costs all winter long. By optimizing your heating system, embracing natural heat sources, relying on zone heating, insulating properly, and leveraging technology, you can create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. If you need repairs or maintenance for your current heating system – or you’re looking to upgrade – Moore Home Services can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment before the winter hits!