5 Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

Winter is finally here in Alaska and that means short days and cold temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you retain as much heat as possible in your home and lower your energy bill this winter!

1. Seal any air gaps. If you have any cracks or gaps around your window or door framing, you probably have warm air escaping from your home. You can use caulking to seal any cracks around the framing and install weather stripping around the frame to add further insulation.

2. Reverse your fan. The ceiling fan direction in the winter should be clockwise, and the fan should run at the lowest speed. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, which in turn displaces the warm air that rises and collects near the ceiling.

3. Maintain your hot water tank. Check your hot water tank for any signs of cracks, which would be an indicator it’s not working properly. If you find any damage, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. If your tank is in good working condition, consider adding insulation around the tank which will help the water stay warm using less energy.

4. Add insulation. In addition to adding insulation to your hot water tank, consider adding extra insulation to your attic. Not only will this help to insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing, but it will prevent warm air from escaping through your ceiling.

5. Move your furniture. If you have furniture that is close to any radiators or other heating elements, move them away. Furniture absorbs heat and can prevent warm air from properly circulating in your home.

These tips can help make a big difference in your home’s warmth and can even save you money on your energy bill.