Nearly half of the energy that goes into your home is used for heating. Yet, it may not feel like it come the harsh winter months. Fortunately, there are ways to help improve this process and combat the cold.
Are you sick and tired of feeling cold all winter long? Join the club. Read on to learn about the art of keeping your house warmer in winter!
Check Your Dampers
The heat your HVAC system pumps into your home may not be reaching its full potential if the airflow is compromised. Dampers may be adjusted or partially closed throughout the year, but should be fully opened in each room to ensure warm air isn’t being blocked.
Make sure large items like furniture aren’t obstructing air vent openings, either. This includes the furnace, radiator, or chimney if your home has one. Trapping warm air can cause your HVAC system to overwork itself.
Stock Up On Rugs
Hardwood and tile flooring are desirable since they’re easier to clean than carpet. Yet, they also account for partial heat loss come wintertime. Carpet serves as insulation to keep your house warmer without absorbing heat like wood does.
Rugs are a great solution for non-carpeted flooring and can easily be modified to each room’s needs. This is also practical for climates with snow and ice to absorb foot tracks when walking inside.
Delegate Sunlight
An easy, free way of keeping your house warmer in the winter is taking advantage of the sun. While your windows should remain properly sealed, keeping the shades open to allow translucent light promotes warmer indoor temperatures.
In turn, close all blinds and shutters at night to maintain your home’s heat and trap as much warm air as possible. This also goes for windows that don’t face the sun or receive direct light during the daytime.
Reverse Fan Direction
We may not think of our ceiling fan as a source of warm air, but it’s actually possible to use this to our home’s advantage. Typically fans run in a forward, counter-clockwise direction which forces air down. This is practical during the summertime to create cooler air.
Reversing your fan to a run in a clockwise direction at the lowest speed pushes air up and helps displace heat since hot air naturally rises. You should be able to locate a switch on your ceiling fan to adjust this setting.
Create Steam
There are many resources around the house that can help generate warmth besides your HVAC system. Specifically, steam. This could be boiling a pot of tea on the stove or using a hot shower’s steam to warm up the rest of your home.
Humid air feels warmer than dryer air. Steam helps form this humidity and raise the temperature. You can also achieve this same effect from using a humidifier depending on your home’s climate.
The Art Of Keeping Your House Warmer
The best place to begin keeping your house warmer in the colder months is by assessing your HVAC system. Equipment issues or minor defects could have significant impacts preventing your home from receiving as much heat as it can.
Time is of the essence for maintaining your home’s heating system and R & R Heating and Air can help. Contact us today to learn more about our heating system repair services to help fight away the cold this winter.
