Between holiday expenses and heating costs, New Britain winters can take a toll on your bank account. Your first instinct might be to turn down the thermostat and bundle up, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to lower your bills. Improving efficiency can help keep your home warm and cozy while reducing energy usage. Try these 10 practical tips to help you spend less and stay comfortable all winter long.
1. Seal Up Drafts and Leaks
One of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency is sealing places where cold air enters your home. Drafts and leaks force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Depending on the size and location of the gaps, solutions may include caulking leaky baseboards, adding weather stripping around windows and doors, installing door sweeps, or using draft stoppers.
2. Make Your Thermostat Work Smarter
Your thermostat plays a major role in how efficiently your heating system operates. If your thermostat has programmable settings, use them to lower temperatures when you’re sleeping or away from home. Smart thermostats offer additional benefits by automatically adjusting temperatures based on usage patterns and occupancy.
While it’s generally safe to lower the thermostat when you leave, avoid letting indoor temperatures drop too low during freezing weather. Extremely low indoor temperatures can increase the risk of frozen pipes and make it less comfortable when you return home.
3. Upgrade Your Window Treatments
Natural sunlight can help warm your home during the day, so opening curtains on sunny afternoons can provide passive heat. When temperatures drop or sunlight fades, closing curtains helps reduce heat loss. Thermal curtains and insulated shades are especially effective at limiting drafts.
Older homes may benefit from energy-efficient window upgrades or storm windows. While decorative exterior shutters offer limited insulation value, insulated storm shutters or properly sealed storm windows can help reduce heat loss in windy conditions.
4. Add More Insulation
High winter energy bills may indicate insufficient insulation. Insulation helps slow heat loss and keeps indoor temperatures more stable. Even if your attic appears well-insulated, other areas of the home may still need attention.
Common areas that may benefit from additional insulation or sealing include:
- Exterior walls
- Attics and lofts
- Crawl spaces
- Exposed pipes
- Areas around windows and doors
- Bathrooms
5. Stay on Top of Seasonal Maintenance
A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently and reliably. Seasonal tune-ups address issues such as dust buildup, loose components, and general wear that can affect performance. Routine maintenance can also help extend the life of your system.
While maintenance is beneficial at any time of year, scheduling a tune-up before the heating season begins is ideal. To make upkeep easier, TCS Heating and Air Conditioning offers maintenance agreements that include regular system checks and discounts on parts and labor.
6. Give Vents Room to Breathe
Furniture, rugs, or drapes blocking vents or air returns can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. When airflow is limited, your HVAC system may work harder than necessary, which can contribute to wear over time. Checking each room to ensure vents are clear is a simple step that can improve overall performance.
7. Keep Dampers Closed
Fireplaces add warmth and ambiance, but an open damper allows cold air to enter when the fireplace isn’t in use. After a fire burns out and the fireplace cools, make sure the damper is fully closed. Regular chimney and fireplace maintenance also helps ensure safe and efficient operation.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help improve comfort during winter months. Most fans have a switch that reverses blade direction. Setting the fan to spin clockwise at a low speed helps circulate warm air near the ceiling back down into the living space, reducing the need to raise the thermostat.
9. Lower the Hot Water Temperature
Water heating is one of the larger contributors to household energy use. If your water heater is set above 120°F, lowering it can reduce energy consumption while still providing adequate hot water for daily needs. Keeping the temperature at or below 120°F also reduces the risk of scalding, especially for children and older adults.
10. Cook Efficiently During Cold Weather
While cooking does produce heat, it’s important to use appliances safely. Avoid leaving oven doors open after cooking, as this provides little benefit and may create safety risks. Instead, focus on efficient cooking practices such as using the right-sized burners, keeping lids on pots to retain heat, and minimizing preheat times when possible.
Your Source for Quality HVAC Services
If you need help improving your home’s heating efficiency this winter, TCS Heating and Air Conditioning offers trusted HVAC services and high-quality solutions. From smart thermostats to new furnace installations, we provide heating repair, maintenance, and installation services, as well as heat pump and mini-split options.
Contact our team at TCS Heating and Air Conditioning today to learn more about energy-efficient heating solutions for your home.
