Winter is finally here. Snow storms have begun, black ice is on the driveway, and freezing water is trickling along the roof. It’s simple for us to stay warm–we can just put on our favorite sweater and scarf to keep the heat in. But what about our homes? Believe it or not, there are tricks to help keep your house warmer as the air gets cooler. Best of all, these tricks can help save you money!

1. Check Your Thermostat

The thermostat is a vital part of heating efficiency. After the long spring and summer months, you probably haven’t used your thermostat in a while. There’s nothing worse than to discover it’s broken when it fails to turn on during the first cold snap! Check your thermostat and it’s batteries before it’s cold outside. Run the heat for an hour to make sure the thermostat is working and that all zones are heating. And better yet, consider updating your thermostat to a programmable one for increased efficiency control.

2. Let Sunlight in During The Day

The sun’s warmth is a free source of heat that can actually be quiet effective. Open curtains during the day to let the sunlight seep into the house. At night, close the curtains in order to help trap the heat.

3. Install Storm Windows

If you do not already have them, consider installing storm windows. They reduce the flow of air in and out of the house, and thus can help savings on energy bills. Even further, many companies now offer energy-efficient windows that work to insulate a home in a variety of ways.

4. Seal Leaks

Air leaks around a home can be extremely detrimental to insulation and efficiency–and they can be anywhere. Check for drafts around doors, windows, attics, basements, kitchen hood vents, and even the roof. Seal, seal, and seal!

5. Clear Areas Around Vents

Prepare the area around all heat output locations. If heat is flowing out of a vent or radiating from baseboard, furniture or object obstructions can hinder the flow of warm air. Try to leave these spaces as open and de-cluttered as possible.

6. Prep Your Heating System!

With fall upon us and winter on the horizon, it is extremely important to schedule a professional tune-up for your heating system. A routine check can help find and resolve small problems–before they turn into larger, costly issues. The experts at Kerivan-Lane can inspect your heating system to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

Beyond a tune-up, the Kerivan-Lane Service Plans are an extremely smart way to ensure that your home is always running up-to-speed. Our Service Plans offer tune-ups, 24-hour emergency service, preferred customer benefits, and discounts on repairs. It’s the easiest, most affordable way to take excellent care of your home. Contact us today to get started!