6 Ineffective Ways to Stay Warm This Winter
Winter is fast approaching, so it's time to start thinking about how you will keep your home warm during the colder months. But before you crank up the heat, you should know a few things. As it turns out, there are a number of ineffective (and even harmful) ways to stay warm that you should avoid at all costs. So what are they? Keep reading to find out.
1. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
One of the most common misconceptions about keeping your home warm is that you should close the vents in rooms you're not using. After all, why heat a room you're not even in, right? Wrong. Closing vents can actually put stress on your heating system and reduce its overall efficiency. Not to mention, it can cause your energy bill to skyrocket. So save yourself the headache and keep those vents open.
2. Heating Unused Rooms
Another way people try to save money on their heating bills is by only heating the rooms they're using at any given time. But just like closing vents in unused rooms, this can actually end up costing you more money in the long run by putting strain on your HVAC system and causing it to work less efficiently. Instead of turning down the heat in unused rooms, just close the doors to help keep the heat where you want it.
3. Skipping Maintenance
One of the worst things you can do for your HVAC system (and your wallet) is skip out on regular maintenance. Just like any other mechanical system, your heating and cooling system needs regular tune-ups to run smoothly and efficiently. Ignoring this important step will only lead to costly repairs down the road. So be sure to schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system before winter sets in.
4. Cranking Up the Thermostat
When it's cold outside, and you're trying to get warm quickly, it can be tempting to just crank up the thermostat and hope for the best. But this strategy is counterproductive because it causes your furnace to work overtime (and use more energy) without making your home any warmer. That's because when it's cold outside, your furnace has to work harder than usual to heat up your home, which takes time. So instead of cranking up the heat, give yourself a few minutes (or even an hour) to let your furnace do its job properly before turning down the temperature again.
5. Not Wearing Layers
It might sound counterintuitive, but wearing layers inside is actually one of the best ways to stay warm during winter. That's because clothing traps heat close to your body, which helps you stay comfortable without having to turn up the thermostat (and run up your energy bill). So next time you're feeling a little chilly, reach for a sweater instead of adjusting the temperature on your thermostat.
6. Not Calling in a Professional
There are a lot of myths out there about how to keep your home warm during winter. But as it turns out, some popular methods are ineffective. Many homeowners wait until it’s too late to fix an easy heating issue and spend more on repairs or even a replacement. That’s why it’s important to rely on a professional heating company, like our team at Comfort Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to regularly check and maintain your unit. Give us a call at (209) 222-2779 for more information about our heating services!