Heat Things Up This Valentine's Day

February 12, 2016

Turn On Your Ceiling Fans

Believe it or not, ceiling fans can actually be used to your home’s advantage in the cooler winter months. While having them rotating counter-clockwise in the summer pulls hot air up in the room by getting rid of that heavy and humid air, rotating them clockwise in the winter will conversely push the warmth downward and into the room, keeping things warm for your Valentine’s Day rom-com marathon.

 

Invest in a Humidifier

Humidifiers are relatively cheap options that serve a two-fold purpose in the home: keeping the air less dry, while also helping to warm it. Not only will moist air feel and be better for your skin, it will also feel warmer and keep the air balanced when your thermostat is set at a lower temperature.

 

Use Exhaust Fans Sparingly

Don’t suck all the heat out of your house through exhaust fans, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen. These pull the air right out of a room. This Valentine’s Day make sure you’re keeping things cozy by remembering to turn off these types of fans when not in use.

 

Don’t Heat an Empty House

Maybe you have plans to hit the town on Valentine’s Day. If you’re heading out of the house, make sure you aren’t heating it for no reason. Install a programmable thermostat that will help automatically adjust the temperature in your home, only using the heat when you really need it. Here are recommended temperature set points, because there’s no need to crank up the heat when you’re away from home or warm in bed.

Setting

Time

Recommended Home Temperature in Winter

Wake

6:00 a.m.

< 70° F

Day

8:00 a.m.

< 62° F

Evening

6:00 p.m.

< 70° F

Sleep

10:00 p.m.

< 62° F

 

With a wireless enabled or Wi-Fi thermostat, you can monitor and control your heating and cooling system with your smartphone from anywhere and anytime you choose. If you decide to head home early, you can warm up the house in advance of your arrival with just the touch of a button.

Save up to $180 a year on heating and cooling costs with a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. Plus, you may be eligible for a $25 rebate on a 7-day programmable thermostat or a $100 rebate on a wireless enabled thermostat. Read our page on programmable thermostats to learn more.

Whether staying in or going out for something extra special this Valentine’s Day, keep your home warm and toasty by following the tips above. Check out our other articles for more smart and easy ways to save on energy.


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