1. Close the Fireplace Damper (Chimney Flue)

Remember to close your damper whenever you are not using your fireplace or wood stove. Usually, there is a lever that slides back and forth to open and close the damper. You can look up your chimney with a flashlight to see if the damper is open or closed.

Safety Tip: Wait until your fireplace has completely cooled down before attempting to close the damper.

2. Keep Things Sealed

Making sure your house is well sealed and insulated is an important way to improve energy efficiency and comfort year-round. The more conditioned air that escapes, the harder your HVAC system has to work and the more likely it will break down.

Use expandable foam spray for any gaps larger than 1/4 inch. Use weatherproof caulk for cracks and gaps smaller than 1/4 inch. Replace old weatherstripping around doors and windows. Make sure you have heavy-duty door sweeps installed on all exterior-facing doors.

3. Reverse Ceiling Fans

By simply changing the direction of your ceiling fans’ rotation to counterclockwise in the winter, you can help push the warm air that rises back down.

4. Dress Warm

The human body produces a surprisingly large amount of heat. When you put on more layers of clothes, or when you wrap yourself in blankets, you’ll be able to keep more of that heat close to your body. This is a great way to maximize the work your body is already doing to keep you warm.

5. Cook Hot Food and Drink

One great way to provide some heat and comfort to your home is by baking. While it’s normally not wise to just leave your oven open, heating up your oven and staying busy making food is a great way to not only pass the time but to stay warm. When the food is cooked, turn the oven off, but leave the door open to take advantage of the heat.

You can also cook soups, stews, pasta, and other meals on the stove to produce not only heat but humidity as well.

6. Space Heaters and Electric Blankets

If you’ve lost your gas utility, you may still have electricity in your home. If this is the case, you can use an electric space heater to stay warm without using the furnace.

7. Use a Small Space

You can minimize your heat loss by confining yourself to one room. This works especially well if you have multiple people. You’d be surprised how warm a few bodies can keep a confined space like a bedroom.

This tip goes along with using space heaters and blankets. You can save money and energy with them, but only if the heating system is off or the thermostat is significantly lowered. By staying in one spot with your space heater or electric blanket, you can stay warm without the heater.

Of course, you shouldn’t struggle without a working heating system. Speak with the experts at Fix-It 24/7 for fast and professional heating maintenance, repair, and installation. Call or book online today.

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