The winter months are a beautiful time of year, but they can also be expensive as well. The cost to heat and power your home during these months can leave you a little discouraged. Luckily, there are several things you can do this winter to help reduce your energy consumption and save a little money as well. Here are four of them.
1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If you do not have a programmable thermostat in your home, this is the year to make the upgrade. A programmable thermostat gives you more control over your home’s temperature. You can program the device so your heat is lowered during the night or when you are gone for work. It can also turn up the heat shortly before you come home for the day or from a week-long vacation. Additionally, many of these items can be controlled from your smartphone so you can adjust your home’s heat even when hundreds of miles away.
2. Watch Your Furniture Placement
Your furniture’s placement is critical to your home’s heating and energy use. If you place furniture in front of or over your air vents, you can block the heat, causing your home to stay cooler and your heating system to work harder. Spend time walking through every room in your home and identifying your vents. If any furniture is blocking them, make changes to your furniture placement right away.
3. Maintain Your Furnace
When was the last time your furnace was serviced? An annual inspection should be at the top of your to-do list every fall. During this check-up, a professional will look for any damage to your system and any areas of concern. They will replace all filters and also check for potential carbon monoxide leaks. By having your system maintained, your system will have an easier time heating your home and will cost you less.
4. Use Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, don’t be afraid to use it. Many homeowners will not use their fireplace as thousands of house fires start every year from chimneys. However, proper maintenance will prevent these fires from happening. Along with your annual furnace inspection, hire a professional to inspect your chimney as well. Having your chimney cleaned from soot, creosote, and other items will drastically reduce your risk of a fire.
You don’t have to spend a fortune every month on your energy bill. There are several things you can do to reduce your energy costs and the above four items are excellent ways to start.
For more information on home improvement, home maintenance, and the Markham real estate market, contact Markham realtor Martin MacFarlane.
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