As we go into April, warmer temperatures will start to become the norm here in Chicago. Nights will still be cool, with wind gusts keeping the Windy City chilly. Having a heater during these times is crucial. However, knowing how to use it can be even more critical.
At Chatham Comfort Controls, we know the ins and outs of heaters and furnaces. We have over 18 years of experience in the Chicagoland area. We want to provide you with the best ways to keep your home warm until summer rolls around.
Below, we’ve written down our top five tips for keeping a house warm, all while saving a bit of money in the process.
1. Cover Drafty Doors and Windows
Covering drafty doors and windows can help a home retain heat. Even a small draft coming in from under a door can make a room colder faster. It might even make a room uncomfortably cold while the heater is on. Sometimes, a bad draft can negate any heating that was used in a room.
Common places where homeowners usually find drafts are:
- Doors
- Windows
- Walls
- Pet doors
To find a draft, walk through each room of the house with a candle. Be sure to walk near windows, doors, and walls. If the candle’s flame is moving in the wind, rather than staying stationary, then you’ve found the direction of the draft.
Fixing drafts is easy. Most drafts require silicone caulking, which is simple to apply and usually stops the draft within minutes. Other drafts, such as door drafts, require weather stripping beneath the door. Weather stripping will prevent any cold wind or air from passing through a doorway.
2. Turn the Thermostat Down
In the winter, a heater can go a long way. Sometimes, cranking the heater up and isolating it to one room can waste energy. It is also an inefficient way to heat a home, as once the heater is off, the room will immediately begin to cool.
It is better to turn the heater up to 68 or 70 degrees, opening all the interior doors to spread the home’s heat. This way, heat will evenly disperse, keeping the house warm even after the heater is off.
Lowering your thermostat by even a few degrees has a lot of benefits, including:
- Saving money on your heating bill
- Using overall less energy year-round
- Retaining heat, if all doors are open to allow the flow of heat
It might not seem like much to turn the heater down by a couple of degrees, but according to the Department of Energy, a homeowner can save money on their heating bill, all while evenly distributing the heat around their home.
3. Adjust the Thermostat When You’re Away
Adjusting your thermostat when you’re out of the house or asleep can be an easy way to save money. When you’re sleeping or away, we recommend setting the thermostat down 10-15 degrees. The Department of Energy states that just doing this will save a homeowner up to 10% on their heating bill.
The benefits of lowering the temperature on the thermostat include:
- Saving up to 10% on the next heating bill
- Preventing the heater from overworking
- The house is warmer at the end or beginning of the day
When you aren’t home, it is excellent practice to lower the thermostat. We don’t recommend turning off the heater entirely, however. Turning off a heater can lead to inefficient energy usage, increasing the heating bill’s cost.
This increase occurs because you may have to turn the heater up higher to compensate for how cold the room has become. It may seem like turning the heat off is an excellent way to save energy, but it is only overworking the heater when you return home.
By turning the temperature down to a lower but still comfortable temperature, you are saving money, all while keeping the home warm.
4. Cover the Windows
Curtains can help a home retain its heat, even throughout the day. Installing blackout curtains will help keep heat trapped in a room, trapped between the walls and curtain.
Also, curtains can help keep a room insulated, allowing it to get warm fast. This insulation is especially evident during days that are colder than usual. Blackout curtains can serve as a buffer for the hot in a home, making a room feel warmer even with the heat off.
Blackout curtains are just one idea for covering a window. Other ways to cover windows include:
- Regular curtains
- Drapes
- Shutters
5. Call Chatham Comfort Control
If you’ve tried all of the above and the house is still too cold for comfort, then you might need to call Chatham Comfort Controls. We offer regular and 24 hour emergency services, which can help you with all of your heating needs.
We not only work on heaters, but our knowledgeable team also works on air conditioners, boilers, and furnace systems for both residential and commercial clients.
Our experienced repair specialists are certified heating and air conditioning technicians who provide quality customer care and unmatched results.
Whether you need regular maintenance, a replacement, or a thorough inspection, Chatham Comfort Controls can help you with your HVAC needs. Our technicians would be happy to assist you with your needs.
If you’re interested in any of our services, call us at 773-842-4299 for Chicagoland or 708-674-6313 if you’re in the South Suburbs. You can also send us an email or fill out our contact page. We look forward to helping you with all of your HVAC needs.
