Keeping your home warm and cozy during the winter months doesn't have to be synonymous with high energy bills. By understanding your heating system and implementing energy-saving strategies, you can strike a perfect balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding Your Home’s Heating System
A home heating system generates and distributes heat to keep the indoor environment warm and comfortable during colder months. Furnaces use fuel (such as gas, oil or electricity) to heat air, which is then blown through ducts and vents into rooms. Boilers use water or steam to transfer heat through radiators or baseboard heaters. Air handlers circulate heated air throughout the house via ductwork, and in some systems, they may also handle cooling.
Here are three energy-saving tips to keep your home warm this winter.
1. Optimizing thermostat settings
Your thermostat plays a pivotal role in regulating indoor temperatures and energy consumption. If you have a traditional HVAC system with a single-stage furnace or air handler, it's crucial to set the thermostat at the right temperature. During the winter months, aim for a comfortable yet energy-efficient setting, ideally around 20 to 22 C, when you're at home. Set it lower when you're asleep or away.
2. Weatherproofing doors and windows
Drafty doors and windows can cause significant energy wastage and make your interior spaces feel chilly and uninviting. Weatherproofing these areas is a cost-effective way to maintain warmth and keep your home cozy during winter.
Seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows using weatherstripping or caulking. Consider adding door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to prevent cold air from entering. Additionally, installing heavy curtains or thermal blinds can provide an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat loss through windows.
3. Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an excellent tool for optimizing your heating system's energy use. Create a heating schedule by setting specific temperature preferences for different times of the day to align with your daily activities. For example, you can set the temperature lower while you're at work and raise it just before you return home, ensuring comfort without unnecessary heating during vacant hours.
Some advanced programmable thermostats have Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to control the temperature remotely via your smartphone. This way, you can enjoy a cozy home when you need it most and save energy when you don't.
HVAC and Thermostat Installation in Aurora, Newmarket, Milton, and Brantford
At Comfort NEXT Heating & Cooling, we can help you stay warm and comfortable this winter with heating system installation services for furnaces, boilers, and air handlers. Our HVAC technicians can also install your smart thermostat. Contact us today to learn more about our services in Milton, Newmarket, Aurora, and Brantford.