That’s the temperature many experts suggest setting your thermostat to for heating your home during the day in the winter.
Many of us will set our thermostats in the 70s while we’re home, but when you leave during the day, consider turning it down to 68 degrees. Likewise, if you’re planning to cook, the kitchen tends to warm up the house so it’s another opportunity to turn down the heat and save some money.
Another money saving tip is to make sure your home has good airflow. If it’s been awhile since you’ve changed the air filters around the house, all the hot air you’re paying for might be struggling to make it into those cold rooms. So change those air filters so you optimize your ventilation. Likewise, remove any large pieces of furniture that might be blocking your air vents or radiators – you don’t want anything to trap the heat.
If you have ceiling fans, make sure they’re set to winter mode. Most fans have a switch that’ll let you change the direction the fan spins. In winter mode, the blades should turn clockwise – set the fan on low to keep the heat circulating.
Finally, go hunting for drafts around your home and seal them up. Some common problem areas are drafty doors and windows – and trust me, it does make a difference if you can seal them. Look into solutions like weather strips and draft stoppers.
As we all know, Chicago winters are no joke, but with a little preparation you can keep warm and keep your dollars too.
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