Winter weather can be unpredictable in Kentucky, but there are two things you can count on: It will get cold, and fuel prices will be high. You might be tempted to crank up the thermostat, but thoughts of your heating bill are enough to stop you in your tracks. The team here at Knight’s Mechanical can relate, so we’ve put together a list of cheap or free methods to help you stay warm this winter while keeping your heating costs as low as possible.

Low-Cost Alternatives to Turning Up The Heat This Winter

• Place rugs on hard floors. As much as 10% of your indoor heat can be lost through uninsulated wood and tile floors, especially in basements. Large, thick throw rugs can help to keep your feet warm as well as reduce heat loss.
• Change your furnace filters. Clogged filters cause your HVAC system to work harder to move air through your ducts, leading to higher utility bills. When you change your air filters on a regular basis, you allow the heat to be more evenly distributed through your home and reduce the workload on your furnace.
• Turn down your thermostat. Get in the habit of lowering the thermostat temp when you leave for work in the morning or anytime you’re going to be away from home. Consider having a smart thermostat installed to allow you to set temperatures for different times of day and to control the HVAC system remotely with your phone when you’re away.
• Hang heavy curtains. Thick drapes can be an effective layer of insulation against the cold radiating from your windows as long as you keep them closed as much as possible. Bright sunny days are the exception, as you’ll want to keep your drapes open to let the sunshine in and take advantage of the free solar heat.
• Insulate your garage door. Many people overlook the big door in their garage when sealing their doors and windows. Foam insulating sheets are inexpensive, easy to install, and can make a big difference.
• Fill in cracks and gaps. Spaces around outside spigots, dryer vents and utility lines should be filled in with caulk or a sprayable expanding insulating foam, available in any hardware store, to keep the cold air out.
• Install weather strips. All doors and windows, especially sliding glass doors, should be protected with insulation strips to keep heat from escaping. Consider covering windows with plastic also. You’ll be amazed how effective these simple and inexpensive precautions are.
• Change ceiling fan rotation. Most ceiling fans have a switch to allow you to change the direction the blades turn. In the winter, they should be set to turn clockwise to blow warm air back down into your living space.
• Install attic insulation. An inadequately insulated attic is one of the biggest sources of heat loss in the home. It’s a small investment that will pay big dividends in the long run.

Contact Knight’s Mechanical with all of your heating, air conditioning and plumbing needs — winter, spring, summer or fall.