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It is estimated that in an average home, up to 35% of heat is lost through poorly insulated walls, up to 25% through the roof, 15% through windows, and 10% through floors and doors. It doesn’t take a math whiz to figure out that that’s a lot of heat and money going right out the window (and door, and floor, etc.).
So, short of covering your home with shrink wrap, how can you keep more of that precious heat inside your home? Simple. You plug up the air leaks. Here are 10 very budget-friendly ways to keep more warmth in your home, and more money in your pocket.
Opt for window coverings that are designed to keep your home warm in the fall and winter and cool in the summer, such as heavier upholstery drapes and energy-efficient blinds and shades.
Let as much natural light into your home as possible by opening window coverings open during the sunny, daylight hours.
If you don’t have the latest super energy-efficient windows, you can get a similar effect with a window insulation kit. Clear shrink-wrap plastic adheres to your windows with double-sided tape and the heat from a hair dryer seals it in place.
While a fireplace is an efficient way to heat your home, it can also allow cold air in. Consider installing a glass door, fireplace insert, or a flue sealer.
If your home has old-fashioned radiators, you can radiate more heat into your rooms by wrapping a piece of plywood in tin foil and placing it behind the radiator.
Bare wood floors are beautiful. But they can also allow heat to escape. Add an area rug in each room to retain more heat.
Keep radiators, baseboards, and heat vents free of debris. And make sure they are not blocked by furniture and heavy window treatments.
Add weather stripping and caulking around door frames and windows.
Place draft stoppers on exterior doors and poorly insulated windows.
Seal off miscellaneous air leaks inside and around electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, and cracks along ceiling and wall joints.
Another way to heat your home for less is with annual preventative maintenance for your furnace. That’s a “specialty of the house” here at GBT Heating & Cooling. Annual maintenance allows leads to fewer repairs, greater safety, and a longer system lifespan. To learn more or schedule service, contact GBT today.