Fall is upon us. There is pumpkin spice coffee, cookies, protein powder, and so many other strange products. Children are back in school, leaves are turning color, and Halloween candy is being sold in droves. And if you are in New England you may have heard the old adage; “No Heat Until Trick Or Treat”. It seems every family has a different rule about when they can finally start using their thermostat. Whether you are waiting for a specific temperature or date on the calendar, there are things you can do to avoid high heat bills this fall.
Install Dual-Paned Windows
During the summer you probably used a window screen to allow cool air into your home. Now that it is time to close your windows consider replacing or repairing them. First, make sure that your windows don’t allow any air to escape through cracks and crevices. If your window is not airtight when it closes it can lead to heat escaping your home. Holes don’t just allow air to escape, but they also allow insects to enter. Notice any ladybugs crawling around? Ladybugs usually appear at the beginning of the fall and they are a sign that there are air leaks around your windows or doors. There are a few simple fixes to air leaks including using caulk. For best results, replace your windows with dual-paned windows. Dual-paned windows provide a variety of benefits including silencing noise pollution, keeping heat and a/c indoors, and being environmentally friendly. To ensure that you save the most on your utility bill, you will want these windows installed professionally.
Use Ceiling Fans
This may seem contrary to what you would want to do when you feel cold in late fall. Usually, you use fans to cool off. But hot air rises, which is why using fans to circulate the air can actually help you save on gas. Keeping your fans on the lowest setting is a good way to stir up warm air and keep it circulating through your home.
Inspect Your Doors
Like your windows, your doorways need to be inspected for air leaks. Exterior doors should be repaired or replaced to ensure that warm air can’t escape and insects and pests can’t enter. You should also inspect doorways in your bedrooms. You can save money by only heating rooms you occupy. Covering up the gap between the door and the floor with foam can trap warm air inside your bedroom. That way, if you want to heat individual rooms you won’t waste energy heating the rest of your home.
Contact Merrimack Valley Glass & Mirror
The team at Merrimack Valley Glass & Mirror can help you replace and repair your windows, doors, and garage doors. If you have an attached garage to your home, it can cause a large loss of heat for your home. Ensuring that doors and windows are properly installed and close completely is the best way to save money on heating and air conditioning year-round. Contact us online for window and door solutions in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.