4 Steps to Make Your Home Warmer and Your Heating Costs Lower

With how blisteringly hot our summers get in Arlington, we all find ourselves looking forward to some cooler weather. However, once the temperature really drops, you might be saddled with another inconvenience: high heating costs. While there isn’t anything you can do to change the weather, the good news is that you can lower those bills by making some changes around the house--and no, you won’t need to freeze to make it happen.

Ready for a warmer, cozier, and more energy-efficient home? Make use of these short-term and long-term home improvements, and you’ll be amazed at the difference in your heating costs.

1. Use energy-efficient window treatments.

You can lose a lot of heat through your windows, especially at night. Keep your window coverings closed at night, and get maximum heat retention with energy-efficient window treatments like Roman shades, thermal curtains, or insulated cellular shades. These coverings will also help block heat during summer!

2. Seal and insulate your attic.

Your attic might be home to more air leaks than you think. It might also contain subpar insulation installed by the original builder or previous homeowner to cut costs. The type of insulation you should use and its R-value depends on factors, like your climate, the type of HVAC system you own, and what part of the house you’re insulating. This is why it’s helpful to involve a professional when updating attic insulation.

3. Upgrade leaky windows.

Even with energy-efficient window treatments, you can still lose heat through air leaks. This can make some areas in your home much colder than others and cause you to run your heater more often. When it comes to upgrading your windows, you have some options. You can seal (or re-seal them) to keep out drafts, or if they are old and warped, you can replace them with windows that are more energy-efficient.

4. Tune up your heater.

Your heater needs annual routine maintenance to run as efficiently as possible. While servicing your unit, the technician will also inspect it for any potential hazards as well, such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, or ignition problems than could create a gas buildup.

Find Out Where Your Home Is Losing Energy

To get the lowest heating and cooling bills possible, most homes require a holistic solution. That’s why Tom's Mechanical, Inc. offers home energy audits to help you find out exactly where energy waste is occurring and how you can fix it. Schedule your energy audit with us online or by phone: (972) 388-3669.