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Winter is quickly approaching and our furnace systems will begin to get their workout. In Houston, we don’t have to deal with severe freezing temperatures like many other places, but there will be some cold days in the months to come where the furnace kicks on often.
Heating a home can be expensive, but there are steps you can take to reduce your costs. A few of these tips may require some upfront investment, but you will no doubt save money in the long run.
- A programmable thermostat is truly a must if you want to lower your heating costs. If you use the thermostat, you can program it to kick on higher about an hour before you arrive home from work. Turn it down low at night and use blankets and warm pjs!
(Read How a Programmable Thermostat Helps you Enhance Comfort, Save Money and Keep Feuds to a Minimum for more information about these valuable devices) - Dress appropriately – My daughter and I get in disagreements when she tells me how cold she is while I see her in shorts and a tank top. Really? That is what layers, pants and sweaters are for. Dress warm first, then see truly how uncomfortably cold you are.
- Open curtains and blinds – You may be surprised how quickly natural light can help heat a place. Let the sunshine in!
- Decorate for Warmth – What I mean by this is when it is winter, use appropriate things around your house. For example, blankets! You should have blankets to wrap up in while watching your favorite TV show. Purchase an electric blanket for night time, which is cheaper than running your furnace all night. Also, keep plenty of rugs on your hardwoods to help act as an insulator.
- Close unused heating ducts – There are some homes where some rooms are barely used. Why do you need to heat it?
- Use your fireplace – In a home where there are not a ton of rooms to heat, the fireplace is an excellent option to help not run the furnace all the time, especially if it is located in a central area where you spend a lot of time. If you don’t use it, cover it up for winter so that heat does not escape right out the chimney!
- Seal windows and doors properly – You would be surprised how much heat escapes out of improperly sealed doors and windows. It may take some time to do it, but it is very important.
- Service or replace heating system – It is vital to make certain your furnace is running up to par. Also, it may be time to replace your old system that is running so hard, costing you tons of money and barely heating your home.
At Richmond’s Air we want you to be warm and cozy this winter. Whether you are in Katy, Bellaire or Spring, we can help service your heating system! Contact one of our technicians today!
