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You just had a heating tune-up done, but perhaps you're wondering if you can stay warm this winter without running the heater so much. The following are just a few cost-effective alternatives that you can look into.
Use a Space Heater
Space heaters are an ideal substitute for central heating if all you need are a couple of rooms heated. They can also boost the comfort of those who feel that the central heating is not meeting their needs completely. Just remember that if used outside of these limits, space heaters will drain your wallet.
In addition, you should know what size rooms work well with your space heater. In general, a space heater can heat one square foot of space with 10 watts of electricity. The average space heater uses 1,500 watts.
Use Blankets
Your furnace or heat pump will no doubt run throughout the colder months, but you can at least turn the thermostat down a few degrees and then bundle up to make up for the difference. The EPA recommends maintaining it at 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night.
Wearing layers of clothing is always smart, and so is throwing a blanket over you. Wool is a good, heavy material but may irritate some with its feel. Cotton and fleece are lighter but equally reliable. You could also consider an electric blanket, which only uses about 200 watts of electricity.
Start Up the Fireplace
The older masonry fireplaces were never efficient, but modern wood- and pellet-burning options are; many even boast EPA certification. If you own such a system, then it's good to reiterate what's needed to maintain it. The Department of Energy recommends having a certified chimney sweep come over annually for cleaning. Using a wire brush, you should remove soot from the inside of the woodstove to increase efficiency.
If at any point this winter, your central heating stops doing its job, then don’t hesitate to contact our team at Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air through our website or by giving us a call (901) 795-9044!