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When the winter chill settles in, it’s tempting to put up the heat . However, certain habits and practices might waste energy and increase your utility costs without effectively warming your home. Here are common mistakes to avoid during winter, along with smarter efficient strategies to maximize heat while saving energy and money.
What Not to Do During Winter
1. Neglecting Heating System Maintenance
Why It’s a Problem: A poorly maintained heating system is less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
What to Do Instead: Schedule regular maintenance, replace air filters monthly, and ensure your system is running efficiently.
2. Overheating Your Home
Why It’s a Problem: Setting your thermostat too high can unnecessarily increase your energy bills and put a strain on your heating system.
What to Do Instead: Keep your thermostat at 68°F (or lower) when you’re home and lower it by 7-10°F when you’re asleep or away. This can save up to 10% annually on heating costs.
3. Ignoring Drafts and Air Leaks
Why It’s a Problem: Drafty windows and doors let warm air escape and cold air come in, making your heating system work harder.
What to Do Instead: Seal drafts with weatherstripping or caulking. Use door sweeps or draft stoppers at the base of doors and windows to block cold air.
4. Relying on Space Heaters Excessively
Why It’s a Problem: Space heaters can take a lot of energy and increase fire risks if not used correctly.
What to Do Instead: Use space heaters sparingly and only in rooms when occupied. Choose energy-efficient models with safety features and follow all usage guidelines.
5. Forgetting About Insulation
Why It’s a Problem: Poor insulation allows heat to escape through walls, ceilings, and floors, increasing energy usage.
What to Do Instead: Add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors to keep heat inside your home. Use curtains to reduce heat loss through windows.
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Smart Strategies to Maximize Heat
1. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
What to Do: Reverse your ceiling fan’s rotation to clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air that rises back down into the room.
2. Leverage Natural Heat
What to Do: Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home. Close them at night to retain the heat.
3. Maintain Your Water Heater
What to Do: Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F and insulate the tank to save energy while keeping hot water available.
4. Invest in Smart Technology
What to Do: Install a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts heating to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
5. Avoid Blocking Heat Sources
What to Do: Make sure furniture and curtains don’t block heating vents or radiators, allowing warm air to circulate freely.
6. Layer Up Indoors
What to Do: Wear thick, warm clothing, use blankets, and add area rugs to keep yourself and your space warmer without increasing the thermostat.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding common mistakes during winter can make a big difference in your energy efficiency and comfort. By sealing drafts, maintaining your heating system, and using smart strategies to maximize heat, you’ll keep your home comfortable while saving money and reducing your environmental impact. Use these tips to enjoy a warm, efficient, and stress-free winter season.
Schedule an appointment with Synergy Companies and receive many of these applications at no cost if you qualify in the state of California. For more information, call 1-800-818-8929 or visit our No-Cost Programs.
