Here are some energy-saving tips to help keep your home warm throughout the winter.
As winter approaches in Columbia Town Center, keeping your home warm becomes a priority. However, many homeowners worry about rising energy bills when trying to stay comfortable during the cold months. Luckily, there are smart, energy-efficient ways to keep your living space warm without overspending on heating costs. Here are some energy-saving tips to help keep your home warm throughout the winter without breaking the bank.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation retains the temperature inside your home and prevents outside weather from impacting its heating. Good home insulation keeps heat in and significantly reduces your average electric bill, even on the coldest days—if it is working properly.
If you haven’t checked your insulation in a while, it may be time for improvements. Contact your local energy company and inquire about an energy audit, where a professional will come to your home and identify any inefficiencies.
Wall insulation wears down over time and may become less effective in retaining heat. Windows and doors are major culprits of leaking heat as the seals loosen. An energy audit may suggest replacing weather stripping or upgrading to thicker doors and double-pane storm windows. It will also help pinpoint other air leaks, such as those around dryer vents or cracks in your walls.
Consider Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats help keep your home warm while also reducing energy costs. Whether your heating system is powered by forced air, electric baseboard, or in-floor heating, you likely have a thermostat to adjust the temperature manually. Smart thermostats were designed to replace manual thermostats and control heating automatically.
Smart thermostats have unique features, such as the ability to control the temperature from your smartphone, set heating schedules, track energy consumption, and learn your heating preferences. It is important to choose a smart thermostat with the desired features that are compatible with your home’s heating system.
A smart thermostat helps lower your energy bill by reserving heat when you’re not home and automatically turning it on before you return. This ensures your home is comfortably heated, and you’re not wasting electricity heating an empty house. Some smart thermostats will even learn your behavior and adjust accordingly. For example, a device may lower heat in an unoccupied room for a certain amount of time or adjust preset schedules based on your manual temperature changes.
Take Advantage of Rugs and Carpets
Hardwood or tile floors might look sleek but don’t retain heat well. Covering your floors with rugs or carpets can trap warmth, especially in drafty or poorly insulated rooms. The additional layer acts as insulation, keeping the floor from getting too cold and reducing heat loss. Wool or other thick materials are better at trapping heat, especially in frequently used rooms like the living room or bedroom. Place rugs near windows, doors, and under furniture where heat loss is more likely.
THRIVE at Columbia Town Center
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/