Quick Guide to Efficient Holiday Heating

Dec 15

The holiday season can be hard on a homeowner’s bank account. Food, presents, and hosting can all leave a dent. Saving money on energy costs can offset this dent just a little without leaving family and guests feeling like they are visiting an igloo.

The following tips can help homeowners keep their homes comfortable over the holidays while reducing overall energy costs.

Open the blinds

The sun is a free heat source. So, during the day, open the curtains or blinds to allow the warmth to build up inside the home.

Close the blinds

Once the sun goes down, close the blinds and curtains. They will help keep in the heat from the sun.

Seal windows

If a homeowner can feel cold air coming in from their windows, it may be time for new windows. However, if cost is a concern, using insulation tape and weather stripping to seal them is a viable stopgap measure.

Use a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats are vital in helping homeowners reduce their energy costs. Homeowners can keep their homes comfortable during the day. Then the thermostat can drop the temperature overnight before warming it up before the morning alarm rings. Use heavier blankets at bedtime to save some money on energy costs.

Keep fans on

Homeowners often turn off their ceiling fans when winter comes, but they miss out on a helpful tool to keep their homes warm. Most ceiling fans have a switch that directs the airflow up or down. In the winter, switch the fan’s rotation to up. The fan will push the hot air on the ceiling into the room.

Check the HVAC ductwork

If the HVAC system is struggling to warm a home, even when the furnace is working, it’s wise to have an HVAC technician check the ducts. They can ensure there are no leaks and offer information regarding the quality of the insulation on the ducts. It may be that another layer of insulation can help the ducts keep the air warm on its way to the vents.

A homeowner looking to improve their HVAC system’s efficiency should contact a reputable, licensed technician to inspect their system. They can offer cost-saving solutions to relieve a homeowner through the busy holiday season.

Forecast Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration serves residential and commercial customers in Summerlin, Anthem, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Las Vegas. Call us at 702-919-4546.