10 ways to keep your house warm (and save money) this winter

Heating a home can be costly and complex. Sometimes it is hard to find a balance between staying warm and not paying too much when it comes to heating your house. Here are 10 easy tips to help you keep your home warm without having to raise your heating bill.

1. Use your curtains
Sun can be a great way to invite free heat into your home. During the day when the sun is shinning high remember to open your curtains to take advantage of that warmth. During the evening be sure to close your curtains to make the most of the heat inside your house and keep the cold air from coming in.

2. Use timers on your central heating
Try programming your heating system to switch on about 30 minutes before your get up in the morning. Having it turned on to a lower, yet warmer temperature can actually reduce your heating bills in the long run. The reason behind this is because the boiler has to warm up at a constant speed no matter what the temperature is switched to.

3. Move your sofa
If you happen to have your furniture near a radiator or other heating devise it might seem like the perfect place to relax, but this is actually compromising the heat that would otherwise reach the rest of the home. This is because the couch or chair can actually soak up and retain a lot of the heat that is being pushed out. Try moving your furniture away from the heater and see if that helps the heat move more freely throughout the home.

4. Maximize your insulation
Did you know that around 25% of heat is lost through the roof? Having a well insulated roof can make all the difference. It is suggested to have at least 25 cm of insulation throughout the whole roof. Your walls might also be contributing to this heat loss, so it would be worth checking to see if they are well insulated. This initial insulation process isn't necessarily cheap, but it can mean a huge investment for you down the road.

5. Wrap up warm
Another way to make sure you are getting the most out of your heating equipment is by seeing how well your water heater is insulated. Insulating your water tank can save you a lot of money and keep your water temperature more consistent. This can also help you save on your water bill, because you will not have to run your water for as long to reach that optimal temperature.

6. Turn down the dial
Turning down your thermostat may seem like it wouldn't help your house to be all that warm, but it can actually save you money when your bill comes around. Turning your dial down just a few degrees can cut your heating bill up to 10%.

7. Block out the drafts
Every crack and cranny can steal your hard earned heat and make your entire home less efficient. Draft-proofing your home can mean simple changes such as sealing your windows or using a blanket against the bottom of your doors to eliminate that cold air. This will keep your expenses down and your toes a little warmer.

8. Install thermostatic radiator valves
Getting thermostatic radiator valves installed can result in large energy savings of up to 40% more then those who have no controls. These controls allow you to program specific times you want your heat to come on and this can allow you to use energy only when it is needed. Recently there has been ways to control your thermostat via your phone, which can help you adjust your heat even before you get home.

9. Upgrade your boiler
Your old trusty boilers might have been a great source of heat for you and your family throughout the years, but have you looked to see how old it might be? If your boiler is more than 10 years old it might be time to change it out. Replacing your old boiler with a new one might add up to a savings of over $400 each year. The new versions use less energy, but produce the same if not more amount of heat.

10. Reflect the heat
Radiator panels are a great way to be sure you are getting the most out of your heating equipment. They are fairly priced and are simple to install. These radiators can direct heat to the room rather then the room's walls. It works by producing heat to reflect back into the room rather then the room's walls.

Try these tips and tricks to have a warm and cost effective home this winter season. If you have any questions or need insulation advice feel free to call Tanguay Homes at (802) 334-1384. Why not have a toasty home and save a buck or two along the way?





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