Winter is fast approaching, and while temperatures start to plummet, the concern of rising heating costs is sure to intensify. However, there are numerous practical steps you can take to reduce your heating expenses without compromising on comfort. By implementing energy-efficient strategies and making a few changes to your daily routine, you can keep your home warmer while saving money. Here we will explore some simple ways that you can reduce your heating costs during the cold winter months.
Ensure Your Insulation is Adequate
By far one of the most effective ways to lower heating costs is by ensuring your home is properly insulated. If your home is newly built, your insulation should be appropriate, but if your home is older, it might be a good idea to have a builder check the ceiling and walls for any missing insulation. Also check for any gaps or leaks around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Insulation plays a key role in minimising heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
Upgrade Your Window Coverings
About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows so energy-efficient window attachments are vital for both new and existing homes. While interior blinds, curtains, and drapes certainly help to minimise heat loss, exterior window treatments such as shutters, exterior shades, blinds, and awnings go one step further. Controlling how much heat can be transferred through your windows will go a long way towards improving the efficiency of your heater.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
This is a smart way to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently. Set lower temperatures while you're away or sleeping and program it to warm up just before you return or wake up. This way, you can enjoy a comfortable environment when needed, while avoiding unnecessary heating when no one is home.
Utilise Natural Sunlight
Take advantage of natural sunlight during the daytime to warm up your home. Open curtains or blinds on sunny days to let the sunlight in and close them at night to retain the heat. Why not install outdoor blinds and awnings? Easily adjustable, you can take advantage of the warm morning sun to heat your home in winter, and when summer rolls around they can be used as excellent shading devices. This passive heating technique can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a comfortable atmosphere without relying solely on your heating system (or cooling system in summer).
Have Your Heater Serviced
A well-maintained heater will use less energy, reducing your heating costs. Ensuring your heating system is in optimal condition will not only help with efficiency, but it will also ensure your home is heated safely. Have professionals out to clean or replace filters and check for any issues which may be impacting airflow and efficiency. If your heater is outdated, it might be worthwhile upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient system. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings in energy consumption will make it a worthwhile investment.
Practice Energy-Efficient Habits
It’s not difficult to incorporate a few energy-saving habits into your daily routine. Lower the thermostat a degree or two and opt for thicker clothing instead. Remember to turn off the heat in rooms that are not frequently used, such as guest rooms and close doors to unused areas to prevent heat from spreading unnecessarily. You should also make sure that you open your blinds right up in the morning to maximise the amount of natural heat and light that enters your home. The same goes for exterior shutters, awnings, and patio blinds. The more sunlight that enters your home, the less you need to rely on expensive mechanical systems.
If you want to avoid skyrocketing energy bills during winter, there’s a few things you can do to help keep you warm while reducing heating costs. From proper insulation to using natural sunlight, every step counts. Embrace these energy-saving measures and enjoy the benefits of a warm and cosy home without breaking the bank.
To learn more about the amazing insulative properties of awnings and outdoor blinds, Wellard, Rockingham, and homeowners all across Perth can rely on Outdoor Blind Designs for high-quality, customised shading solutions. From pavilion blinds and auto roll awnings to outdoor patio blinds, we can help with a wide range of options to help you keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Get in touch online now or call 08 9583 4589.