5 Ways to Save on Heating Expenses in the Winter
Did you know that your crawl space has an effect on your entire home? Whether it’s the frigid winter months or the hot summer months, the air from your basement and/or crawl space spreads to the rest of your home and can have a large impact on the comfort and air quality. This can have a dramatic effect on your cooling and heating expenses.
Having your crawl space encapsulated is the best solution to help you save money on heating and cooling costs and ensure that your family is comfortable.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation creates a conditioned space under your home. Once the crawl space is properly waterproofed, insulation and vapor barriers are professionally installed to cover the walls and floor of your crawl space. Any open vents to the outside are sealed and controlled ventilation is set up to discourage musty, stagnant air.
Open vents, porous walls, and cracks in the foundation of your crawl space all contribute to high heating or cooling costs. In summer months, warm, humid air from outside can enter crawl spaces that are not conditioned. That warm air rises into the rest of your home and causes you to turn on your air conditioner.
During the winter months, you face a similar problem. Without an encapsulation system in place, cool air in your crawl space causes cold floors and replaces the heat in your living space, leaving you and your family uncomfortable.
5 Other Ways to Save on Heating Expenses
Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save 10-20 percent on your energy bill throughout the year. Program your thermostat to kick on right before you wake up and to shut off before you leave your home for the day, and so on. Setting your thermostat to work for you and your schedule will ultimately make it more efficient for you and save you money.
Use fans to circulate air
Setting your fan on low will circulate the air upward towards the ceiling. This will force the warmer air to rise and be trapped at the ceiling downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
Pay attention to your windows
Approximately 10-25% of your house’s heat loss is due to the windows. To reduce this, open curtains and shades on south-facing windows during daylight hours to allow the sun’s heat to enter your house and naturally warm it. It’s using nature to your advantage!
Keep vents & radiators clear
Ensure that you don’t have any large objects in front of your radiator and that there are no rugs or furniture in the way. This allows the air to freely circulate and give you the full benefit of the warm air while putting less strain on your furnace. This will also protect your family and the investment you’ve made into your home.
Insulate your walls & attic
Insulation helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out. Basement and crawl space insulation is often overlooked and will help keep your house warmer during winter months.
How Jersey Shore Crawlspace Can Help
For over 20 years, we have helped our neighbors along the shore to have a comfortable and protected home. From insulation to encapsulation, and everything in between, we are ready to help you make your home as comfortable as possible this winter while saving you money on energy costs. Call us today to learn more and to schedule your evaluation!