Here it is! The first cold snap of the winter. We know it is late in the game, but that is how we do things here in NE Ohio! It is never too late to implement some or all of these energy savin tips for the remainder of the winter season!

• Use drapes to your advantage: Sounds simple enough, doesnt it. Dress your windows with thick drapes in the winter to help insulate them. At night, make sure that you close them and on sunny days, open the drapes to let the sun help warm your home naturally. Also, if you take the time to remove the screens from the window, studies show that you can pickup an additional 25% of this “free” warming effect from the sun. that is a big deal when you are trying to save money and energy in the winter time. (Opposite energy saving tips can be applied for coolling your home as well).

• Run ceiling fans correctly: Ceiling fans may seem like summer-only devices, but try putting the fan on reverse and running it on low. A clockwise motion in the winter helps circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling back down to the living space without creating a cooling draft.​

• Make sure all registers, both supply and return, are fully open and not blocked. The furnace is meant to run and by closing off registers in increases the internal temperature of the furnace. In some cases, blocked registers could cause the furnace to shut down from getting too hot.

• Install low-flow faucets and shower heads: Hot water is more expensive in the winter because incoming water is so cold. Lower your water heating bills by replacing standard fixtures with low-flow faucets and shower heads.

• Lower the water heater temperature: You can cut back on water heating bills further by setting the water heater temperature to 120 degrees instead of the standard 140 degrees. This also reduces the chance of scalding at the tap.

• Apply caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors: Drafts that are prevalent around windows and doors make you feel less comfortable and raise heating bills. Caulk is used to seal stationary joints around window and door frames, while weatherstripping creates a gasket-like seal at movable joints to keep chilly winter air out.

• Replace the furnace filter: Start by replacing the filter in the fall when you use your furnace for the first time that season. Then, check the filter once a month and change it when it gets dirty, waiting no longer than three months between changes.

• Run the whole-house humidifier: Humid air feels warmer so you can turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees without feeling uncomfortable when you evenly humidify the entire home. If you do not have a whole-house humidifier, contact Slife Heating & Cooling to schedule an installation. It is a worthy investment!

​To learn more about these energy-saving tips and more, please contact us!