Winter can sometimes be harsh with its weather conditions and unpredictable when it comes to its effects on our finances. Although it might seem like we cannot significantly influence the weather conditions, it is important to note that one of the biggest causes of climate change in recent years is humankind and behavior. With this in mind, we bring you some practical tips whose implementation will contribute to a healthier environment while at the same time reducing your costs. Sounds perfect, right? Take your pen and note them down!
Watch out for gaps and holes around the facade openings
If you have any gaps or small holes that can leak air around doors, windows, or floors, you need to close them effectively. You can use adhesive tapes (made of plastic, metal, or foam) for this, but don’t forget that thick curtains can also do wonders when retaining heat in the home. Also, watch out for other places that may leak cold air, such as locks, mailboxes (in the door), or cat/dog doors (keep them closed as much as possible during the winter months). If you are ready for an investment that will pay off in the long run, the best solution is to install energy-efficient carpentry.
Work with the nature
Nature gives us much more than we are aware of, and often we do not know how to use its gems in the right way—for example, the sun. In addition to looking forward to feeling its rays on our skin while relaxing on the beach during the summer, the sun is even more useful during the winter. You’re your curtains or blinds on sunny days and enjoy “free” heating. Polish windows that are facing the south so that light penetrates through them even more efficiently. Also, don’t forget to close the curtains or blinds when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside the house as efficiently as possible.
Control the heating
If you do not have a heating system that automatically controls your rooms’ temperature, then do it yourself. It is unnecessary to heat the rooms with equal intensity throughout the day and night, especially if you do not use them all the time. Be sure to close the doors when entering or leaving rooms to keep warm air inside. It is much more efficient to keep the heating always at a lower temperature than continually turning it on and off.
How did you arrange your furniture?
Furniture layout is also an important factor in ensuring the energy efficiency of your rooms. It may seem obvious, but if you put furniture in front of the radiator, it will prevent the heat from spreading around the room. This causes the radiator to work more or use more energy to heat the room.
Is the oven not just for food?
In winter, your oven can take on an additional role – those of heaters. When you finish preparing your meal, leave the door of the oven open and allow the heat to come out of it. In this way, you will additionally heat your kitchen and the space around it without wasting energy on the heating system.
Slightly more expensive, but also a more efficient solution
In winter, the heat generated by your heating system “moves” from warmer to cooler rooms in your home, such as attics, garages, basements, or even directly outside. To make up for this, your heating system must work longer and harder to keep the temperature in your home constant, resulting in an increase in your bills. For your home budget not to suffer and for you to ensure that the house retains heat throughout the winter, it is necessary to insulate it well. You can insulate the roof, windows, walls, and even place insulation under the floorboards. Depending on the type of water heating system you have, water tanks and pipes can be insulated to keep the water warm for as long as possible. While this may seem like a significant expense to you at first, it is important to view it as an investment, as it will definitely pay off for your household in the long run. Remember, saving energy is not just a winter activity. Use heating/cooling rationally throughout the year, turning off lights and appliances when you are not using them, and paying attention to water consumption will surely contribute to saving nature and your resources.