How to Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank

As the temperatures drop around the Cincinnati area, homeowners head indoors towards a cozy fire, fuzzy slippers, and hot cocoa. In an effort to stay warm this winter, you may find yourself reaching for the thermostat—an action that can result in inflated energy costs and a much lighter wallet. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can stay warm without breaking the bank. Read more below!

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can account for between 25 and 40 percent of your total energy costs, wasting money and fuel in addition to reducing comfort. Air leakage can occur from gaps and cracks around doors and windows, in your crawlspace or attic, and on piping or outlets. Professional air sealing services help to identify areas of leakage before sealing them with a combination of caulking, weather-stripping, foam sealant, and other products to prevent conditioned air from escaping and cold air from entering.

Cover Your Windows

During daylight hours, windows can let in radiant heat—helping to warm your space—but once night falls, you’ll need to cover your windows to retain any heat that was generated by your heating equipment. Invest in some quality thermal curtains or blinds and close them at dusk for best results.

Bundle Up

Wearing an additional layer or two and a pair of thick socks can instantly help you feel warmer without having to raise the thermostat.

Repair Leaky Ductwork

Conditioned air lost through leaky ducts forces your heating system to work harder to raise the temperature of your home. If you live in an older home and have never had your ducts inspected, have your technician evaluate the condition of your ductwork and seal any leaks to prevent air loss.

Boost Your Insulation

Over time, insulation can settle, degrade, or sustain damage from water leakage or pests. Consider upgrading the quality or quantity of the insulation in your attic to instantly boost the comfort of your home.

Switch Your Ceiling Fans

Change the direction on your ceiling fans to run clockwise and set the speed to low. This reduced motion will gently draw the air upwards and redistribute warm air down and out towards your walls.

Move Some Furniture

Ensure supply and return vents are clear to allow for unhampered airflow. Clear the area in front or above by moving draperies, furniture, or other items that may be blocking their path.

Change Your Air Filter

Conditioned air is unable to flow through a dirty or clogged air filter, forcing the air to flow around it, which weakens or reduces the amount of warm airflow you receive. Particulates circulating through your air such as dust, dander, or mold spores will also travel around the filter, entering your living space and coating system components. This forces your heating system to work harder than necessary, wasting energy and reducing the lifespan of your equipment.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system is with annual preventative maintenance, during which a skilled professional will clean, tune, and perform any necessary repairs on your heating system prior to heating season. In addition to preventing mid-season breakdowns, maintenance results in a clean, well-maintained heating system that functions at peak performance, increasing comfort while reducing energy costs.

For preventative heating maintenance in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas, call National Heating & Air Conditioning today at (513) 621-4620 or contact us online!