At Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc., we understand winter in the Midwest. That’s why we thought we would offer our top eight tips to help you stay warm and save energy this winter.
8 Energy-Saving Tips for a Warmer Winter
- Clean or replace the air filters on your furnace regularly to ensure better airflow and reduce the strain on your heating system. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning filters on a monthly basis.
- Run ceiling fans in reverse to push the warm air down and away from the ceiling.
- Have your home improvement contractor install a programmable thermostat. You can save energy by reducing the heat by a couple of degrees during the day when everyone is out of the house or at night when you’re snug under the blankets. Program the thermostat so that the heat goes back up to your desired temperature just before you get home or hop out of bed.
- Make sure that heat vents, registers, or radiators are free of obstructions such as furniture, area rugs, or curtains which prevent the heated air from circulating freely in the house.
- If you haven’t recently had a maintenance check done on your HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system, consider calling in a professional. A furnace that is running efficiently will save you money on your heating bill. If they recommend replacing an older heating system, be sure to choose a high-efficiency furnace. You may also want to ask whether or not an HRV/ERV would be beneficial in your home.
- While you may have chosen to install laminate, ceramic tile, or hardwood floors during a kitchen, bathroom or other home remodeling project, these surfaces can feel cold in the winter. Placing area rugs in rooms where you are often barefoot or where family members sit on the floor is an easy way to make a space more comfortable without cranking up the heat.
- The biggest culprits for energy loss and a chilly home are drafty windows and doors. Replacing windows and doors with modern, airtight, energy-efficient models will reduce leaks and will amount to important energy savings.
- Heat can also escape through the roof. Your roofing contractor can ensure that there are no leaks and that there is proper attic ventilation. In older homes, the attic is not always well-insulated, so having it insulated can greatly improve your energy savings both in the cold of winter and during the hot summer months.
If you have any questions about making your Indianapolis-area home more energy efficient this winter, contact Centennial Construction & Remodeling. Call us anytime at (317) 848-7634 to request a quote on our services or to talk to a member of our team.