Winter in Buffalo is cold. That said, there are several ways to save money on your heating bill.
One simple way to take advantage of the sunshine Western New York does get in the winter months is to open your south-facing window curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home. Obviously you’ll want to close the curtains when the sun goes down.
Next, you can do what so many others do and use plastic sheets to cover your window frames during the colder months. When sealed tightly to the frame, they can improve energy efficiency. Also, look for air leaks around pipes, chimneys, doors and windows. You can caulk those leaks up and/or use weatherstripping to seal them.
If you have a fireplace, keep its damper closed unless a fire is burning. If you’re the type who never uses the fireplace, go ahead and plug and seal the chimney flue. Ideally, you don’t want your home’s heat escaping up and out its chimney.
Many people have adjustable thermostats, which come in handy during the winter. In general, when you’re not at home, keep the thermostat at a lower temperature, like 65 degrees. Why heat the place if you’re not there, right? You can also adjust your water heater– turning down its overall temperature setting can save you money.
Finally, consider having Ivy Lea Construction come to your house for a free estimate for work to be done before those crazy cold months of January and February hit. Ivy Lea can replace leaky windows and doors as well as offer insulation services to help you cut down your winter heating bills. Call Ivy Lea at 716-875-8654.
