Keep Warm Without High Heating Costs
One of the many reasons people love to live in Las Vegas is its mild winters, but even a Las Vegas winter can get a bit chilly. With natural gas prices high, it makes sense to find ways to stay warm in the winter without spending an arm and a leg on energy bills. Here are some ways to do so:
Use solar power
Las Vegas is one of the sunniest spots in the United States, with the sun shining nearly every day of the year. Pull up the blinds or shades and open the curtains to let in the sun’s warmth. At night, cover the windows to keep in some of the heat of the day.
Layer your clothes
Though some people don’t like the idea of having to bundle up in their own home, the more layers you wear, the less need to turn up the thermostat. Sometimes all that’s needed is a fuzzy bathrobe or an old sweater. Remember to keep your feet warm, too. Sometimes all they need is a pair of thick socks or plushy house slippers. If your feet tend to get really cold even in mild winters, adding foot warmers to socks or slippers can help. At night, don’t hesitate to pile on the blankets. If you get too warm, just take one or two off until you’re comfortable.
Run your ceiling fans
You may be surprised to learn that the ceiling fans and fandeliers that helped cool you down during Las Vegas’ blistering summers can keep you warm. Turn your heat no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and make sure that the fan blades turn clockwise. This pulls warm air up, then allows it to settle and permeate the room.
Close rooms you’re not using
If there are rooms in your home that you seldom use, close the doors on them, and don’t open them until spring. To avoid wasted heat, also close up the vents if you turn on your heating system. If you have a zoned HVAC system, even if you don’t shut the vents, your unoccupied rooms can remain unheated. On the other hand, don't allow the rooms to get freezing cold if they are in the vicinity of your plumbing pipes. To avoid frozen and burst pipes, don’t let the rooms go below 40 degrees F.
Make sure your ducts are sealed
Leaking ducts allow heat to escape, so make sure that your ducts are well-sealed. Get in the habit of having an HVAC contractor like Alaskan Plumbing Heating & Air check your system once a season to maintain your whole system.
These are just a few of the things you can do to make sure you don’t get stuck with breathtaking heating bills while staying cozy this winter. Don’t forget to check out TheHomeMag’s Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more.
