Cold weather hits hard in Southington and across central Connecticut. You keep costs down when your home holds heat, your system runs efficiently, and you only warm the rooms you use. Use the steps below to get real savings without sacrificing comfort.
Seal the leaks that waste heat
Warm air escapes through gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches, and plumbing penetrations. Walk your home on a windy day and feel for drafts. Caulk stationary gaps around trim and penetrations. Add weatherstripping to movable parts like door sweeps and window sashes. Close the attic hatch tight. This single task cuts heating loss and improves comfort fast. For a deeper guide, see the Department of Energy’s winter tips at energy.gov.
Schedule a heating tune-up
Annual service restores efficiency and catches issues before they turn into breakdowns. A pro will test combustion or heat pump performance, check safety controls, clean burners or coils, and verify airflow. Book service before the first real cold snap to avoid delays. If you need help, request an appointment with our team here: Heating Services & Furnace Installation.
Replace or clean your filter on time
A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the furnace or air handler to run longer. Check monthly and replace when dirty. Most homes see 1 to 3 months of life per filter, less if you have pets or renovations underway. Keep a 3-pack on hand so you never delay a change.
Dial in smart thermostat settings
Set occupied hours to the lowest comfortable temperature. Drop the setpoint 7 to 10 degrees while you sleep or when you leave for work. Program a simple weekday and weekend schedule so savings happen automatically. Avoid frequent manual overrides.
Fix room-to-room balance problems
Cold bedrooms and hot living spaces point to duct or register issues. Open and clear all supply and return registers. Move furniture and rugs that block airflow. If certain rooms never warm up, you may need duct sealing or a zoning solution. Start with an inspection: Furnace Repair in Southington CT.
Stop heat loss at the windows
Use thermal curtains at night and open them on sunny days to capture free heat. Add clear plastic window film on drafty windows. Confirm locks pull sashes tight. Install weatherstripping where sash meets frame if you feel air movement.
Add insulation where it pays most
The attic usually delivers the best return. Aim for an even, code-level layer without gaps around can lights, chimneys, or the hatch. Insulate and seal rim joists in the basement. Addressing these areas reduces heat loss and helps prevent ice dams.
Reduce standby losses from your fireplace
Keep the damper closed when not in use. A glass door kit helps reduce warm air siphoning up the flue. Consider a tight-fitting chimney balloon for unused fireplaces. When burning a fire, crack a nearby window slightly and lower the thermostat in that room.
Set water heater temperature correctly
Most homes do well at 120°F. This protects against scalding and trims energy use. Insulate the first 6 feet of hot and cold lines at the tank. If your tank is older and warm to the touch, add an insulating jacket that fits your model.
Use ceiling fans to push heat down
Reverse fan direction to clockwise at low speed in winter. The fan will gently move warm air down from the ceiling without a draft.
Target the rooms you use most
Close doors to rarely used rooms. In finished basements, keep supply registers modest and let returns pull air back for even temperatures. Do not close too many registers, since that raises static pressure. If some areas never feel right, ask us to check duct sizing.
Control humidity for comfort at lower temps
Indoor humidity around 35 to 40 percent in winter helps you feel warmer at a lower setpoint. Use a quality humidifier with clean water. Avoid over-humidifying to prevent window condensation and mold.
Fix short cycling and strange noises now
Rapid on-off cycling, burner rumble, or blower squeal means wasted energy and risk of failure. Do not wait for a no-heat call in January. Book a diagnostic visit: Furnace Repair in Southington CT.
Consider an upgrade if your system is aging
Modern high-efficiency furnaces and cold-climate heat pumps deliver strong comfort with lower energy use. If your unit is over 15 years old, compare repair costs against the savings of new equipment. We size systems based on your home, then install and test properly. Learn more: AC & Heat Pump Installation and Repair and Cooling Services for year-round efficiency.
Quick checklist before the first freeze
- Install fresh filters and test heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Seal obvious drafts at doors, windows, and the attic hatch.
- Program your thermostat schedule for weekdays and weekends.
- Close the fireplace damper and check window locks.
- Stock extra filters, weatherstripping, and pipe insulation.
Need a hand
If you want an efficiency tune-up, repair, or a quote on new equipment, schedule here: Heating Services & Furnace Installation. We service Southington and nearby towns, and we stand behind our work.