State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
As the winter season sets in, homeowners in Illinois, particularly in the northern part of the state, face the challenge of keeping their houses warm and safe. To help save on winter heating bills, it is important to be aware of some do's and don'ts when it comes to maintaining a warm and cozy home during the colder months.
One of the key aspects of keeping your house warm is to seal up any cracks along doors and windows. According to home improvement experts, this can significantly prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. It is also recommended to replace worn weatherstripping to further enhance insulation. Additionally, using draft guards and towels at the bottom of doors and on windowsills can be effective in minimizing drafts and cold air infiltration.
For a more efficient heating strategy, homeowners are advised to open curtains during the day to let sunlight in, while closing them at night to retain heat. Another helpful tip is to switch ceiling fans to clockwise mode, as this helps push heat downward and circulate it throughout the room. It is also important to uncover blocked vents and ensure maximum air flow for floor vents.
When it comes to safety, it is crucial to close the garage door and keep the heat set at a minimum of 64 degrees. Furthermore, it is important to have the heating unit and/or chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional to prevent any potential hazards. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor is also highly recommended.
To avoid any accidents or potential dangers, homeowners should refrain from using a gas stove or oven to heat their homes. Similarly, using a generator inside the house is strongly discouraged. It is crucial to have the fireplace recently cleaned and inspected before using it. Leaving a space heater on overnight or in an unattended room should also be avoided.
In terms of maintenance, it is important not to constantly change the thermostat settings, as this can lead to inefficiency in heating. Homeowners are also advised not to plug everything into one power strip and to avoid DIY repairs unless they have the necessary expertise.
These tips and tricks for keeping your house warm during the winter are not only practical but also cost-effective. By following these guidelines, homeowners can ensure a warm and safe environment for themselves and their families throughout the colder months.
Quotations:
"Seal up any cracks along doors and windows." - Home improvement expert
"Open curtains during the day to let sunlight in, close them at night to hold heat in." - Home improvement expert
"Switch ceiling fans to clockwise mode to help push heat downward." - Home improvement expert
"Close garage door." - Home improvement expert
"Keep heat set at minimum of 64 degrees." - Home improvement expert
"Have heating unit and/or chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional." - Home improvement expert
"Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t use a gas stove or oven to heat your home." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t use a generator inside your home." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t use your fireplace without having it recently cleaned and inspected." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t leave space heater on overnight or in unattended room." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t constantly change thermostat." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t plug everything into one power strip." - Home improvement expert
"Don’t DIY repairs unless you are a professional." - Home improvement expert
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