Change the Air Filter.
You want to make sure the air filter on your furnace is clean. Depending on the model, you could have a filter next to the blower and another on the return air vent. Make sure to change both. It is also a good idea to inspect the filter every month and change it when it looks dirty. A dirty filter causes the furnace to run longer and harder, which increases heating bills.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Contact your local home heating technician to have them give your furnace a detailed inspection. Finding out if there are potential problems and fixing them now, will avoid an emergency breakdown and service call later, like on the coldest day of the year.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Another way to control heating costs is to upgrade to a smart thermostat. You can create different heating schedules so that temperatures can be set lower on days no one is home. You can even program it so temperatures are increased in the morning before getting up or arriving home from work.
Test Your Humidifier
If you haven’t used your humidifier since last winter, now is the time to test it to make sure it still works. Keeping the right humidity level indoors during the winter, makes it feel warmer, so you can turn your thermostat down a few degrees.
Reverse the Direction on Ceiling Fans
Make sure to switch all ceiling fans into winter-mode. Doing so will help better circulate the heated, warm air from your furnace throughout the home. Using ceiling fans can also make rooms feel warmer, so you can turn down the thermostat a few degrees and save on heating costs.
Increase Your Attic Insulation
Another way to keep your home warmer is to have your attic insulation topped-up to an R-value rating of R-60. An R-60 rating provides the maximum attic insulation to keep warm air indoors and cold air from the attic in the attic.
Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
If you notice cold air drafts around doors and windows, this means heated air is exiting the home. If it is too cold to re-caulk around windows, you have other options, like using temporary plastic insulation and thicker curtains to block out cold air. For doors, there is weather-stripping you can apply to fully seal the door.
By using these tips, you are sure to remain warm and comfortable all winter long. To learn more about increasing your attic insulation in your Greater Toronto Area home, please feel free to call Logik Roofing at 1-905-424-7469 today! We also offer basement insulation to keep your basement warmer too!
