Conserving comfort

It’s the time of year that we are reminded that the air is about to hurt outside, and that we need to take action to make sure the air in our home doesn’t do the same. Heating bills can skyrocket during colder days, but there are many things you can do to conserve heat in your home. Here are some ways to improve the comfort in your home.

If there was a prize for the single most important thing you can do, it would be to insulate it properly. This may mean adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors. The rewards are year-round because insulation prevents heat from escaping in the winter and keeps cooler air from leaving in the summer. If you're not sure how much insulation your home needs, have a professional energy audit done. They will be able to assess your home's insulation and recommend any necessary improvements. Many local businesses do there, and you may be able to use the results for a heating assistance grant from the State of Alaska.

Make sure you have sealed any potential air leaks. When it is bright outside, cover your windows with heavy blankets and turn off all the lights to make it as dark as possible in the room. Any light peering into the room is a hole directly to the outside that need filled. Air leaks can occur around windows, doors, or other openings as well as walls from damage or rodents. Make sure sliding windows are fully sealed against the frame.

To seal air leaks, you can use caulk, weatherstripping, spray foam insulation, wadded fiberglass insulation; really you can use anything to plug a hole but the best answer is to use the most permanent solution. You can also install insulation around where plumbing pipes, dryer vents, electrical line, and other utilities enter your home. You can also stop leaks from cracked or inefficient windows with tape and plastic, although it may obscure your view of the outside and the lovely snow.

On the topic of windows, make sure to use energy-efficient windows and doors. The simple act of upgrading windows from older drafty ones to new multiple-pane windows that are energy star rated cannot be overstated. Replacing doors after is a huge boon to your efficiency as well, as many older exterior doors had poor (or no) insultation in them. Replacing them with energy-efficient models will never be a bad choice.

Oh, one more thing about those windows: closing your curtains and blinds at night can help to keep heat in your home. This is because curtains and blinds can act as an extra layer of insulation. The heavier the material, the better the impact. There are products called thermal curtains or blinds that are specifically designed to insulate your windows, too.

Using a programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperature levels for different times of the day and night. This can help you to save energy when you're sleeping or away from home. A little cooler at night while you are asleep can save some energy, especially since you retain your body heat under good blankets and covers. The best practice is to increase the thermostat to your normal setting about 30 minutes before you wake up, and to decrease by 4-6 degrees during your sleep cycle.

Many people with furnaces still have a wood-fired heater in their home. If you have one, that fireplace or wood stove can help to heat your home and decrease the demand on your regular furnace.

Staying physically active is another great way to stay warm. When you're active, your body generates heat. As your body sheds that heat it will help keep the rooms you are in just a little bit warmer. Exercise, housework, and playing with pets or family work.

Dry air can make your home feel colder than it is. This one catches many people by surprise, but humidifying your home can help to make your home feel warmer and more comfortable. 68 with humidity feels warmer than 71 degrees that is super dry, but your furnace doesn’t care about humidity when it is trying to sustain a temperature. You can humidify your home using a humidifier or by placing bowls of water around your home. You can also humidify your home by taking hot showers or baths.

Our home is where we spend half our lives. We want it to be comfortable for visitors, but especially for ourselves when we are relaxing and laying down. Heat makes a huge difference.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.