Low-Cost Winter Warmth Hacks

We’re already right in the middle of a crisp and cool fall period, and winter will be here before you know it. At My Buddy the Plumber, our heating services will help you and your family prepare and stay warm during the coldest parts of the year.

What are some of the tips we regularly offer to our clients regarding HVAC areas they can tweak to stay warm in the winter without an exorbitant heating bill? Here are a few simple hacks we can offer on staying comfortable while lowering your costs.

Dress Warmly

It’s the simplest and most straightforward way of decreasing your heating bill each month: Dress warmer. There’s no easier way to lower your need for additional heat than through simply not being as cold, and for those who are comfortable in sweaters and similarly heaving clothing around the house, this is a win-win. Don’t go overboard and attempt to fill 100 percent of your heating needs with nothing but blankets and sweatshirts, of course, but look for smart times where you can get warm on your own and not rely on your HVAC system.

Thermostat Hacks

The next-simplest option you have at your disposal is manipulating the thermostat bit more intelligently. There’s no need, for instance, for you to leave the house at 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave for work for the entire day and no one is home – rather, turn your temperature down by 10 or 15 degrees each day, something you can do comfortably even if you have pets (they function just fine in a wider range of temperatures than we do). The Department of Energy estimates that you’ll save about 10 percent of your total heating costs each year simply by doing this for eight hours a day.

Of course, the thermostat in your home might make it a bit tougher to do this. If you’re still using an older manual thermostat, you’ll have to remember to turn it down every day before you leave and turn it back up when you come home. Far easier is a programmable thermostat, or better yet a smart thermostat you can control from your smartphone from anywhere. If you don’t have one of these, consider them soon.

Using Fans

Most people only associate ceiling fans with summertime, but did you realize these all have reversible settings where you can turn the fan to clockwise? This causes them to create an updraft, circulating warm air that has risen in the room throughout so it can be felt by people. Intelligently using your fans this way can allow you to keep the thermostat a degree or two lower even when you’re home.

Natural Heat

Look for any and all opportunities to capitalize on natural light. Make sure all sun-facing windows and openings have their blinds or drapes pulled back during sunny hours, allowing the sun’s light to heat your home for free.

Tune-Up

Finally, having your HVAC system regularly tuned up will keep it functioning at peak efficiency and allow your costs to stay low. Our plumbers will assess any elements slowing down your system, from filters to heating elements and much more.

For more on this or any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the pros at My Buddy the Plumber today.