3 Tweaks That Might Help You Save Money this Winter
Here we are in the third week of February and looking at winter weather advisories in North Texas! It appears Punxsutawney Phil got it right this year … we’re smack in the middle of his “six more weeks of winter” predication! So, our thoughts turn to our homes … in winter … and maybe saving a little money for that new swimsuit we will surely need sometime soon!
Winter may seem like the wrong time to save money on home heating and cooling. However, with a few tweaks, you could see major changes on your bill, even in the coldest, bleakest months. Here are three tips to help you save money and the environment, even in the dead of winter.
Install a programmable thermostat and use it. Programmable thermostats have been around for quite some time, and with “smart” thermostats becoming the norm, energy saving has never been easier. Upgrading your thermostat to a newer model ensures accurate temperature readings, allows remote operation, and helps ensure your climate control system is being used efficiently.
Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air downwards. It seems counter-intuitive to have a fan running in the winter, but since heat rises, it can help circulate warm air throughout your home. By turning your ceiling fan on a low speed, warm air doesn’t just sit at the ceiling. Many ceiling fans have a small switch on them that allows you to change the direction the blades turn in. Blades that spin in a clockwise direction pull air down. With more air circulation, you can bump your thermostat down a degree or two to save some energy.
Make sure your furnace and filters are clean and unblocked. One of the biggest energy hogs during the winter is a blocked or clogged filter. Dirty furnaces aren’t just inefficient, as they can also pose a fire hazard. Clean furnace filters trap dirt and allergens, and help your furnace run more efficiently. With windows shut for months on end in the winter, filters tend to get dirty quicker. Experts recommend changing your furnace filter monthly during the winter. However, if your home has a boiler system, you’re off the hook for changing your filters.
Information provided by The Seay Group Realty, dedicated to service and exceeding your expectations. Call us today!
