Temperatures have dropped, which means fall and winter are upon us. Your furnace is likely to stay busy over the coming months as the outside air lingers around freezing temperatures. If you are in need of Longmont furnace repair or simply want to save on your utility bills, here are six tips for keeping the warm air inside this fall and winter.
Check for Leaks
When your furnace is blowing warm air through the house, the last thing you want is for that warm air to escape through leaks in the walls, windows, or doors. Check for leaks throughout the house that could be letting that air escape. If the windows or doors are drafty, install weather stripping or an extra layer of caulk around the edges. Simply put your hand by the door or window; if you can feel cool air coming inside, there is likely a leak of some kind. Caulking is a relatively inexpensive DIY project that can have a huge impact. Leaks along the roofline are common and can be lessened with thicker insulation that can be installed by a professional.
Move Furniture Away from Vents
Warm air isn’t very effective if it can’t flow through the entire room. Make sure your vents are clear from furniture, especially big, bulky items like couches or beds. A free space allows the warm air to flow more freely into the entire room. Also, make sure that your vents are open so that warm air can escape. Some houses have dampers that need to be moved from “summer” to “winter” settings as the temperature changes, which can be done by adjusting the damper handle on the ductwork.
Close Curtains at Night
Even great windows let out some amount of heat. Add an extra layer of protection in front of the windows by installing thick curtains that can block the chill. Close the curtains at night when temperatures drop to avoid cold air coming into the house. In sunny places like Colorado, you can open the blinds during the day to use the sun to naturally heat the house. Even with cold temperatures, the sun is still warm and can make a difference in creating a warmer room.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
You don’t need to be heating your house to a comfortable living temperature if you aren’t home all day. A programmable thermostat allows you to set schedules based on when you are home. You can set the house to heat during the morning, but then use a slightly lower temperature when you’re going during the day or sleeping at night. For an extra upgrade, a smart thermostat can even automatically adjust the temperature based on how many people are in the house. Programmable thermostats can lower your utility bill and avoid creating warm air when no one is home.
Clean Furnace Filter
One of the easiest things to do to keep your house warm and comfortable is to change the furnace air filter regularly. In most homes, this means once every three months, but you might need to change it more frequently if you have pets that shed or people in the home with allergies. A clean air filter allows the warm air to flow more smoothly, which keeps the house comfortable and avoids potential issues or damage with the furnace system.
Add Carpet and Rugs
Similar to how curtains block out cold outside air, carpet and rugs add an extra layer of warmth to the floor of the house. Uninsulated wood floors can lead to huge amounts of heat loss and create a cold walking surface. Area rugs trap in heat and can keep rooms warmer, especially in older houses. Large rugs are effective, but replacing wood or tile floors with carpet can offer a permanent solution.
Fall and winter bring colder temperatures, but that doesn’t mean your house needs to be cold. Pay close attention to your HVAC system and call for furnace repair if needed. Following these tips can give your furnace a boost and help keep the warm air inside where it belongs.