Now that winter is in full force, you likely spend a lot of time trying to keep warm. Still, heating your home takes energy, and energy costs money. So, you want to warm up as efficiently as possible.

If you don’t heat your home properly, you might do damage. You don’t want to cause a system breakdown, or even worse a fire, because you didn’t take care of your heating systems. Still, there are things you can do to safely use your heat this winter and save money at the same time.

Maximizing Heating Efficiency This Winter

Heating your house can get expensive. So, every ounce of heat you use, you don’t want any of it to go to waste.

• Check the foundation, roof and seals around the doors and windows of the home. This can keep heat from escaping the home, or leaking into areas where hot air might cause problems.
• Look for efficient ways to trap heat within the home. Closing your curtains and blinds can help you keep some heat from leaking from the windows. You might also place dams around windows and doors to help keep heat in. Sometimes, simply placing a towel over a door’s floor crack can help slow the release of heat.
• Do not heat unused areas of your home. For example, there may be no neat to heat a garage or basement if you only venture there periodically. You might even have the ability to turn off the heat in unused bedrooms. Keep these rooms closed to the rest of the home to concentrate the heat.
• Use your fireplace or other heater as an alternative to your HVAC system. You might also use space heaters, electric blankets and heating pads. However, these electrical items use energy, so monitor their use carefully.
• Keep your vent systems clear of obstructions. For example, don’t place a heavy piece of furniture over your floor vent. This might help heath flow through the home.

Keeping Your Home Safe When Using Heat

Heating your home comes with its share of risks. Common risks might include appliance damage and the risk of fires. You don’t want to encounter either those or any other hazards. Take the time to ensure that your heating systems don’t pose risks to the home. Keep them clean, don’t use them recklessly, and know the safety risks associated with each.

If you have a problem from your heating sources, your homeowners insurance may help you pay for the damage. However, always remember that policies usually won’t cover repairs for normal wear and tear. Therefore, you should always use every item with care. It can save you a lot of problems in the long run.

Also Read: 6 Factors That Can Affect Your Home Insurance Rates