Top 5 ways to make your home more energy efficient in the winter

Your home is working for you every day, all day long. In order to do this work, your house consumes a lot of energy. For example, every time you turn up the thermostat, your home is burning up energy.

Although we need to use energy to stay warm, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some efficient ways to use it. Here’s a quick list of easy ways to make your home more energy efficient this winter.

1.  Make sure that your furnace can do its job efficiently. You can replace or clean the furnace filter every month to maximize air flow.

2. Simple cleaning can improve the efficiency of your home heating options. Clean your radiators, heat vents and cold air return vents frequently. Dust and dirt can prevent radiators from running to their maximum efficiency.

3.  The location of your home’s thermostat can affect its performance and efficiency. Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions to prevent “ghost readings” or unnecessary furnace or air conditioner cycling. Place thermostats away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows.

4. Make sure that the interior of your house is laid out to be heating and cooling efficient. Position furniture away from air vents to insure maximum air circulation in your home.

5. Let the sun do some of the work for you. Invest in heavy fabric curtains to lock in heat at night, and open them during the day to let in sunshine for some natural heat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View these links for more information:
http://www.energysavers.gov/tips/heating_colling.cfm
http://www.bgehome.com/downloads/EnergySavingsBrochure.pdf
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=1258
http://www.bgehome.com/downloads/EnergySavingsBrochure.pdf
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/windows_doors_skylights/index.cfm/mytopic=13500