Stay warm this winter

As the temperature dips down into the 30s at night, we homeowners give a collective moan knowing our gas and electric bill are going to increase. The winter season brings the inevitable chill to the air, but if we plan ahead and make simple changes, the chill won’t leave us shivering over an empty wallet. Maeser has some helpful tips to get us through the cold winter months.  Some of the tips require simple adjustments, while some are solutions that may require a home improvement or a little elbow grease.

Simple Tip #1: Change your furnace filter monthly. A dirty filter reduces the flow of air.

Simple Tip #2: Make sure your heating register is open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains.

Simple Tip #3: Make sure your fireplace damper is closed when you are not using it.

Simple Tip #4: Open the curtains on the sunny side of the house and close them on the other side.

Simple Tip #5: After making dinner, turn the oven off and open the oven door.

Other changes that are not so simple and may require a little elbow grease include:

Fix-It Tip #1: Caulk or weather-strip windows and doors. Add storm windows or doors for more insulation.

Fix-It Tip #2: Make sure the thermostat is functioning properly. If its location makes it get too warm too fast, move it to where the temperature is more consistent with the rest of the house.

Fix-It Tip #3: Have a programmable thermostat installed. You can save up to 33% on annual heating and cooling costs.

Fix-It Tip #4: Add insulation to your attic, walls or roof, especially if a living area is over an unheated area, such as a garage, basement or crawl space.

Fix-It Tip #5: Install a ceiling fan and run in reverse to draw the room air up to the ceiling and force warm air down.

Before you know it, Spring will be here and Winter will be just another wonderful memory.