Heating your home during New York’s harsh winters can get expensive, especially in older houses where insulation and seals may have worn down over the years. Even minor gaps or damaged exterior features in your Long Island home might seem insignificant but can lead to substantial energy loss and rising bills over time. Save money this winter by using our budget-friendly tips for efficiently and sustainably heating your home.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Identifying and sealing sources of heat loss in your home can greatly lower your energy bills. Gaps around windows, doors, or areas where pipes and wiring pass through are some of the main causes of heat escaping. Fixing these issues can make a noticeable difference in your monthly utility costs.
Signs of gaps or leaks in your home include:
- Drafty windows or doors
- Condensation on the interior of window panes
- Visible gaps around electrical outlets, wiring or frames
- Abnormally high heating or cooling costs
Using correct weatherstripping and caulking techniques and conducting seasonal inspections of your home will help you keep heat inside your Long Island home and lower your energy costs.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats, also known as clock thermostats, allow you to adjust the temperature of your home based on a programmed schedule or cycle. While you’re at work, running errands or away on a trip, you can set the thermostat to a cooler temperature to avoid heating an empty house. It may take some time to determine what temperature schedule is best for your home, but once perfected, programmable thermostats save energy—and dollars!
Conduct Heating System Maintenance
No matter what type of HVAC system you have, regular maintenance is essential and should be done at least once a year. This ensures any needed repairs are handled before cold weather arrives, keeping your system running efficiently. While tasks like changing filters, clearing debris from vents, and cleaning outdoor units can be done yourself, it’s best to call an HVAC professional for repairs, advanced maintenance, or replacements.
Try Zone Heating
Zone heating allows you to divide your home into sections and control the heat in each area using dampers. These dampers are plates or valves that regulate the flow of air and heat, with thermostats placed in each zone to manage the temperature. If your central heating system creates uneven temperatures, zone heating can help maintain a more balanced and comfortable environment throughout your home.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
As we mentioned before, outdated or damaged windows and doors drain heat from your home. If your heat is escaping through a warped frame, cracked glass or improper installation, you could lose anywhere between 25%–30% of heating and cooling energy. Drafty windows and doors don’t improve with time, so addressing the problem as soon as possible is a critical step in preventing your energy costs from skyrocketing.
Maximize Your Energy Savings with Window World of Long Island
Keep your home comfortable all year round with replacement windows from Window World of Long Island. Enhance your home’s energy efficiency and reduce heating costs on your monthly utility bill when you partner with our team today!