Keep your Nashville home warm and your heating bill low

11/20/2015 (Permalink)

Are you having trouble keeping your home warm during the winter, but are still feeling a difference in your wallet from increased heating bills? This may be an indication that your home needs some maintenance, repairs or restoration. Popular Mechanics lists off some ways to cut your home heating bills this winter. 

1.    Replace worn weather-stripping

The draft and cold air that seeps into the house is usually let in through worn weather-stripping. As the cold air gets in, the furnace works harder to pump warm air into the home to increase the overall temperature. As the furnace works harder, this increases your bill over time. It’s smart to replace the weather-stripping around your doors and windows every few years to save you money and keep the warm air in.

2.    Seal air leaks in duct work

Check your ducts for gaps in the seams and corners where the ductwork may have come apart. Energy Star states that the typical house with forced-air heating loses about 20 to 30 percent of air to system leaks, holes and gaps. You can cover these gaps with a mastic sealant or metal tape to seal them.

3.    Keep the heating registers clear

Covering up these vents will cause poor air circulation throughout the room leaving it feeling colder than it normally would. Make sure that your vents are clear and able to provide even airflow.  

4.    Lock your windows and doors

This is a small step that can be easily overlooked, but locking your windows and doors can help keep the warm in and the cold air out. When setting the lock on your door or window, a tight seal forms to keep that cold air out. 

These four tips are a good start to helping you save air and money. Check out the rest of the tips that could help you save this winter at Popular Mechanics.