There is no better time of the year to make your home more efficient than when it is about to be bombarded with people for the holidays. Your household appliances are about to go into overdrive to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable throughout the break. Save money this holiday season and lower the risk of an untimely breakdown with these AJ Danboise-approved tips on making your home more efficient. You’ll rest at ease knowing your home is functioning at its best!
- Change your furnace filter.
- Put your ceiling fans on the reverse setting. Most ceiling fans have two settings. The counter-clockwise works to cool the air. The “reverse” setting, or clockwise, is to be used in the winter for dealing with warm air from your heater. It works to pull the warm air from the ceiling and gently push it back down allowing it to circulate through the room. It creates a more even temperature and makes heating your home more efficient.
- Turn down your hot water heater. Turning the temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower will reduce energy costs by up to 10 percent and help prevent scalding.
- Use a programmable thermostat. Why pay for heat when no one is using it? Program your thermostat to turn back 10 to 15 degrees while you are asleep or away from home. When you are awake and at home, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
- Lock windows. This creates an added seal to keep the warm air in and cold air out. It will also discourage guests from opening them if they get a little warm, thus throwing off your thermostat.
- Minimize door drafts by adding a seal or using a draft snake.
- Keep the fireplace damper closed unless in use. When using the fireplace when the damper is open, close the doors leading into the room and lower the thermostat to between 50 and 55 degrees.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Moisture will help retain some of the heat and eliminate uncomfortable dry air. You and your guests will feel more comfortable with your thermostat set at a lower, more efficient temperature.
- Take advantage of natural heat from the sun. Open your windows and shades during the day to allow the sun to heat your home. When the sun goes down, close the shades to keep the heat from escaping.
- Turn off indoor and outdoor holiday lights when you are sleeping or not at home. This also helps to eliminate a common fire hazard mistake.
Increasing your home’s efficiency is a great way to spot any potential problems in your home as well. If you notice that your home cannot work as efficiently as it should, call the certified specialists at AJ Danboise. We understand that plumbing, heating, and electrical problems can happen any time. That’s why we offer 24 hour service, 365 days a year. Let the professionals at AJ Danboise give you peace of mind in your home this holiday season. Call us at (248) 600-5048 to schedule an appointment today!