There are a lot of good things about the snowy season in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Skiing at Whitetail or Liberty. Holiday gifts. Hot chocolate at 701. Caps games at Capital One Arena.
But while this is a time of year that many people enjoy, it can also be incredibly stressful for homeowners — especially if you don’t understand how to efficiently heat your home.
An increase in energy bills is inevitable (we need it to stay warm and cozy, not to mention to help prevent pipes from freezing over or bursting). To help you keep your costs affordable, we’ve compiled four home heating tips for you to follow this winter.
How to Efficiently Heat Your Home
1. Replace Windows
One of the best things you can do for your home before the winter weather truly sets in is have your old windows replaced. This is especially important if the windows you currently have are more than 10 or 15 years old, as this is the typical lifespan of even the highest-quality options.
The typical household can lose up to 25 percent of its total heat through windows that are old or poorly insulated. This means that you will be spending hundreds of dollars each month on heating that is, literally, going out the window. The solution? Invest in new air-tight windows.
2. Check Heating System
You should also be regularly performing checkups on your heating system itself. If, for example, you have debris or other items clog up the vents and fans, they will not be able to work at full efficiency. This will likely result in you turning up the heat for a fraction of what you would normally be feeling.
You can also consider turning your thermostat down when you’re out of the house for long periods of time. Turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day can save around 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills.
3. Keep Vents Clean
To be proactive, simply check the vents at least once a week to make sure that they are free of dust and dirt. If you suspect that there is a bigger problem with your heating system, you’ll want to call in a professional. Otherwise, those heating costs will continue to increase as the season goes on.
4. Add Insulation
Adding insulation to the walls is another great way for you to go, especially if your home is on the older side. Since it will contain the warm air in your home, your system won’t have to work as hard (or cost you as much). In fact, homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation.
Having a heating system that is in top shape will allow you to live comfortably all winter long (without breaking the bank). If you need help understanding how to efficiently heat your home in Arlington, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible with the professionals at John C. Flood.
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