Empty dehumidifiers daily and clean often. If possible, have the appliance drip directly into a drain. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Always disconnect the appliance before cleaning.
Purchase a heater with a guard around the heating element. A wire grill or other protection is essential to keep fingers or fabrics from touching the hot element. Portable electric heaters that heat by circulating oil or water, however, usually have lower surface temperatures and may not need guards.
Storm windows can reduce your heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weatherstripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
Look for one that is listed with a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been tested to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer. On heaters that are not listed, consumers have less assurance that the safety features and operating instructions are adequate.
Double-pane windows with low-e coating on the glass reflect heat back into the room during the winter months.
Humid air feels warmer than dry air. Increasing the humidity of your home also helps you resist winter colds and moisturizes dry skin. Operating a room humidifier will make you feel more comfortable. If your heating system has a humidifier, make sure that it’s functioning properly.
You can also add humidity by keeping house plants. Plants clean the air and add moisture to it at the same time. Putting trays of water on top of radiators also helps. So does leaving the bathroom door open after a shower, to let that warm steamy air circulate through the house.
To help keep your house cool, close curtains on south- and west-facing windows. You may also consider installing awnings on these windows.
Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.
If you replaced all the windows in your home with Energy Star qualified windows, you could cut your heating and cooling energy use by an average of 15%.
If your home has single pane windows, as almost half of U.S. homes do, consider replacing them. New thermal-pane windows with high performance glass can cut your heating and cooling bills.
