By Paul F. P. Pogue
From Ask Angi
Staying warm in winter can be quite a trick sometimes, especially with energy prices causing your heating system to consume a larger monthly bill this time. Here are 10 things you can do to increase efficiency, stay warm and not work your HVAC as hard this winter.
1. Change the Filters
Changing filters is the first piece of advice for a reason. The more your system works, the more debris gets in there. And the more gunk the filters pick up, the harder the system has to keep working. Especially during a harsh winter, check filters regularly and replace them as needed.2. Let the Sun Work for You
When possible, keep your curtains and blinds open during the daytime. Extra sunlight can warm your home without needing more work from your furnace. As a bonus, sunlight is associated with mood and energy boosts, which can come in handy during a long winter.3. Add Radiant Floors
This is a costly option but well worth it for its effectiveness. Radiant floors generate heat through the floor itself, giving a comfortable landing zone for your feet in the mornings. Because they involve no moving parts and heat naturally rises, radiant floors are an efficient way to add heat. On average, a radiant floor costs between $1,700 and $6,000.4. Use Space Heaters
Small space heaters range from $35 to $300 in cost. They make an ideal method to add more heat into a room without significantly bumping up energy usage. Since they’re portable, you can move them to the rooms where you need them most by day and night.
