Winter has finally arrived, and as we see temperatures go below freezing, we also see increased energy consumption. To help keep you warm and save you money, we’ve outlined five essential winter heating tips that are easy to apply and have great benefits.

1. Follow the sun: During the daytime, open blinds and curtains which cover south-facing windows. This will allow plenty of heat into your home and even let you be able to lower your thermostat a bit. North facing windows, which get very little sunlight in winter, should be left covered to help reduce drafts and prevent warm air from escaping.
2. Stop the drafts: Do a thorough inspection of doors, windows, and even electrical outlets to chase down nasty cold air drafts. Caulk, weatherstripping, and even old blankets are economical ways to tame these drafty situations. By eliminating these drafts, it’s possible to lower your heating costs by 10 percent or more.
3. Move your furniture: Believe it or not, furniture is a big culprit when it comes to lack of heating efficiency. Make sure that your home’s furniture is not blocking heat sources such as floor registers or radiators.
4. Close the damper: Did you know that an open chimney flue can let as much warm air escape your home as an open window? If you enjoy a cozy fire during the winter, always remember to close the flue when you’re finished. If you have doors on your fireplace, make sure to close them as well. Remember safety first — make sure the fire is completely extinguished before closing the flu and doors!
5. Change your filters: In almost every blog post we write (examples here and here), we mention that if you have forced air heat, it is vitally important to have clean filters in your system. Doing this assures maximum efficiency and protects your heating equipment.

Following these steps will make a winter a lot easier on your family’s comfort and wallet. If you are looking to increase the efficiency of your heating, it’s a good idea to contact a qualified HVAC contractor to do a thorough assessment of your home.

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Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is one of Manhattan and Nassau County’s leading HVAC contractors. We offer a full range of air conditioning and heating services, including: installations, maintenance, 24 hour emergency service and so much more. Call our experts today at 516-799-0700. We’re A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau.