Proud Supporter of Folds of Honor. A portion of every service call goes towards Folds of Honor.

Tired of Being Cold? Here are 4 Tips to Stay Warm This Winter

Jan 27, 2017

Tired of Being Cold? Here are 4 Tips to Stay Warm This Winter

Do you ever feel like the long cold days of winter will never end, and that you’ll never feel warm again? If you find you have trouble staying warm and keeping your house comfortable in the winter, it may be time to look into other ways you can maintain the temperature in your house without relying exclusively on the furnace.

While the furnace is vital for heating your house in the winter, you can help it and yourself by preparing your home and your heating system for the cold months to come with these four simple steps.

humidifier_staywarm_winter 1. Install a Humidifier

Humidifiers aren’t just for keeping the air moist; these handy appliances can also make your home warmer in winter. Remember back to the summer when the meteorologist announced the high for each day plus the heat index?

Well, that was a measurement of how humidity in the air affects the temperature, and in winter you can use this to your advantage to keep your house warmer.

Expert tip: Using a humidifier to keep the moisture level between 30 and 50 percent can make your house feel several degrees warmer, so you’ll be able to turn down your thermostat and save money on your energy bills, all while feeling more comfortable inside.

2. Upgrade Your Thermostat  how_old_is_your_thermostat.jpg

Most homes sit vacant all day long, and there’s no reason your furnace should be pumping out hot air to heat an empty house.

A programmable thermostat allows you to automate temperature changes in the house, so you can keep the heat low when everyone is out or asleep, and warm and cozy when everyone’s home and awake. Ideal temperatures for both comfort and energy savings are:

  • 68 F between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. when everyone is waking and getting ready for the day

  • 60 F until 5:30 p.m. (while everyone is out of the house)

  • 68 F in the evening when everybody is home and active

  • 60 F between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the house sleeps

Note: If 60 and 68 F sound too cold for you, just remember that you can make your home warmer with humidity.

3. Winterize the Entire House

Winterizing your house won’t just keep you warmer, it’ll also make your home more energy efficient and save you money. Seal leaks and cracks with caulk and weather stripping, stop drafts with draft guards and prevent cold air from seeping in with the film, storm windows, and insulation. And to make sure that hot air circulates throughout the house properly, make sure you switch your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the winter.

4. Call in the Pros for a Heating Tune Up

Annual furnace maintenance is a good way to start off every winter season because an inspection and repairs will guarantee that your furnace doesn’t break down unexpectedly in the middle of a cold snap. A proper heating system tune-up will include:

  • Cleaning or changing filters, burners, and fans

  • Inspecting for damage, corrosion, and leaks

  • Checking the pilot and burner assembly

  • Repairing damage and minor issues

  • Looking for blockages and obstructions

This winter, use these cold weather preparation tips to save money, stay warmer, and use your furnace less. These four tips will keep your home more comfortable, help you reduce your energy bills, and will ensure that your home is a warm and inviting place for friends and family.

For heating system inspections, maintenance, and more in your Greenwood home, call Johnson Heating & Cooling Inc. at 317-881-7738.

[addtoany]
We Proudly Serve Central Indiana, including…
Bargersville
Franklin
New Whiteland

Wannamaker

Center Grove
Greenwood

Plainfield

Whiteland
Columbus
Indianapolis
Southport
Edinburgh
Mooresville
Trafalgar