It is that time again! The leaves have fallen, the holidays have past and what are we left with? A cold house – burr.
Luckily there are 10 Simple Steps you can take to keep warm and snuggly inside.
Let the Sun Shine
During sunny days, open the curtains and let some sunlight in. The light radiated by our sun carries energy, which gets absorbed and transformed into heat when it reaches a surface. Those bright rays of sunshine will help warm you up even on the coldest days.
Close the Curtains
If you open the curtains to let the sunshine in during the day, close those curtains at night. This will help you trap the heat inside your home. Like a rug, thermal curtains or drapes are not just decorative but very helpful to keep the heat in during the winter and cooler in the summer.
Check for Closed or Blocked Registers
Remember, rugs and furniture can block airflow, so you may need to rearrange a few things. Every furnace technician has a story about a cold room that was warmed by simply opening a register or two. Be sure to check all the vents in the room to ensure they are open.
Are the Dampers Open?
Some ductwork contains dampers to adjust airflow. Look for handles and markings on the ductwork such as ‘summer’ and ‘winter.’ Set the damper handle parallel to the duct line for maximum airflow. If you are unsure if you have a damper or if the damper is open, contact us, and we would be happy to help you.
Is the Furnace Filter Filthy?
A dirty furnace filter is the most common cause of trouble for heating (and cooling). Change the filter and the problem may just disappear. It sounds too easy, but sometimes it is that simple. Proper maintenance is essential.
Duct-Booster Fans
If you have forced-air heat, you can take advantage of several types of duct booster fans that are designed to increase the flow of warm (or cool) air through your ducts into a problem room. In-line duct booster fans fit inside standard-size metal ducts. You mount the blower near the outlet end of a duct and then install a pressure switch (some models have one built-in), which senses air pressure from the furnace and turns on the booster fan whenever the furnace or A/C blower turns on. Some in-line duct boosters easily plug into an available outlet, while others are hard-wired. Cheaper units can be noisy, so buying a quality model with a powerful motor and heavier gauge housing is worth buying.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Typically your ceiling fan is used to keep your room cool during the summer. But did you know that it can also help keep a room warm during the winter? All you have to do is switch the spinning direction.
Since warm air rises, a ceiling fan can help push that warm air back down to the ground. When the fan moves in the “forward” direction (counterclockwise), it pushes down cool air. But putting the fan on “reverse” (clockwise) at a low speed will gently draw up the warm air and push it back down, circulating the warm air around the room.
Cut Down on Mini Drafts
You can lose a lot of warm air through mail slots and doggy doors. When possible, keep these areas covered. You can use a wool blanket to plug an animal door or even an old towel to close up a mail slot when the temperature really drops.
Seal Drafty Windows
Cold air coming through a window might be preventing a room from warming up. There are a few solutions for sealing your windows and keeping those chilly drafts out. You can try a window insulator kit that includes all the supplies to cover the entire window with a layer of heat-shrink plastic. You can also try sealing drafty windows with caulk. If you choose the latter option, be mindful not to seal your windows!
Insulate HVAC Ducts
Cracked and broken HVAC ducts cause substantial energy loss, so insulating, repairing or replacing them can help improve efficiency. Proper sealing and insulating can save energy in warm and cold climates. To maintain temperatures in the more extended duct areas, add insulation around the ductwork.
