Don’t Stress Your Heater: Five Ways to Stay Warm and Avoid Heating Repair in St. Louis, MO

These days, a lot of folks are taking steps toward better decisions that affect the environment—lowering their carbon footprint by driving less, repurposing still usable items and conserving household energy, among others. Since we would all prefer to avoid needing heating repair in St. Louis, MO, why not make it a point to use your heater less so as not to overwork it? If you want to reduce the stress your heater encounters during the cold winter months, then now is the time to incorporate some alternative ways of staying warm:

  • Use a space heater and adjust airflow: Why heat up the whole house when no one else is home? If you’re home alone and you’re going to be in one room or area, consider turning down the heater and flipping on a space heater—they’re small but surprisingly effective, and cost little to use. Alternatively, you can also adjust the airflow by closing air vents in the rooms not benefiting from warm air blowing in, while keeping vents open wherever you’ll be.
  • Take advantage of sunlight: Winter days do not mean the sky will always be cloudy or that the sun is nonexistent. When the clouds clear and the sun peeks out, open up those window blinds and throw back the curtains to let the warm sunlight in. Additionally, weather permitting, warm up while treating yourself to a nice natural dose of vitamin D.
  • Stop drafts: From old or insufficient attic insulation to poorly weather-sealed windows and doors, cold winter air can seep through to the inside of your home, wrapping you in a chill. Since the outside air will simply flow in through cracks and broken seals, and the warm inside air can escape, turning up the indoor heat to combat drafts will just waste energy and cost you more on your monthly heating bills. Invest in insulation improvements and new seals to save money and stay comfy.
  • Relax covered up: Your home is not a fashion show. It’s a place of comfort where you can be you. So if the weather is cold, change into layers of warm clothing, wear socks or slippers and use a throw blanket when you’re lounging on the couch. Let your heating unit rest at night—turn it way down—by covering up with more than one thick blanket at bedtime, as well as using a feather or synthetic down comforter.
  • Throw a log on the fireplace: Sometimes the most obvious things are right in front of you. Take the fireplace, for example. Right now, is your fireplace blocked by storage boxes or decorations, or have you simply never tried using it? Get it inspected and cleaned and use it this winter. Making a warm fire in your home fireplace is a great way to spend quality time with family or to curl up with a book. Turn the heater off, or way down, for the duration of the fire and enjoy the natural warmth.

We know that HVAC system issues can arise no matter how much cleaning, care and maintenance it receives. At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we are here to help should you need a reputable company for residential HVAC installation, maintenance, inspections or cooling and heating repair in St. Louis, MO. Call us today to learn more!