The inauguration of Winter is technically still a couple of weeks away, but if you were to peer out your window, the frost & snow on the ground may suggest differently. Most homeowners in London, ON have already turned on their furnace to help them deal with the chilly temperatures, but are they getting the most out of their HVAC system? In-home energy loss remains a concern for homes across London and the surrounding area, so taking steps to more efficiently conserve energy is critical. Here are some things you can do to your home to keep it warmer this winter.
- Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fans. In the summer, your fans should spin counterclockwise, which pulls hot air up and drags cooler air downwards. In the winter, ensure your ceiling fan spins clockwise to push cooler air upwards and hotter air downwards, providing supplementary heat.
- Inspect your doors to see if it is properly insulated. Put your hand on your door from the interior of your home, if the door is colder than the interior walls surrounding it, you should consider investing in new doors to conserve energy and maximize comfort.
- Consider speaking to a window & door specialist about upgrading your window and/or doors and how they can help you save energy & money this winter.
- Inspect your windows to see if there is a consistent flow of cool air into your home. The perimeter of your window may require new caulking, but this is typically caused by improperly installed windows or older windows that have lost their efficiency.
- If your windows are conducting the cold and new windows are out of the question, you should invest in clear plastic sheets to place over the surface of your windows. Plastic sheets do an excellent job of keeping your windows from conducting cold temperatures and are remarkably inexpensive.
- If there are rooms in your home that aren’t being used, be sure to close the furnace vents inside such rooms to ensure the heated air is better dispersed throughout your home.
- Fireplaces are a wonderful solution for a homeowner looking for ambient heat and a comforting atmosphere but don’t make the mistake of losing energy through your chimney chute. Close your damper when you’re not using your fireplace as well as the seal on the flue damper to ensure it’s sealed adequately.
- Some winter nights may be warmer than typically expected and a situation like this should be one for you to capitalize on. Bundle up heavily (i.e. layer your clothing, wear big sweaters, etc.) and turn your thermostat down a bit.
- Make sure to move any and all blinds, furniture or appliance away from vents to ensure they can perform their duties effectively which disperse heated air evenly throughout a given room.
It cannot be understated how influential properly installed windows and doors are in maintaining a balanced interior temperature. There are so many energy-efficient windows and doors available, in so many different sizes and styles, that you’ll be sure to find something that fits your home’s needs. Windows and doors that no longer conserve home energy can make staying warm this winter more expensive in the long run. If you decide to upgrade your windows/doors, be sure to ask your local professionals about the benefits of adding a storm door to conserve heat. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns!