Ways to Heat a Home Without Using the Furnace
How to Cut Back on Heating Costs
Home heating costs can put a major dent in the budget, especially during the coldest weeks of winter. In between seasons when it is too cold to open the windows but just warm enough to heat the home in other ways, take advantage of the financial break. This is a time when heating bills can be lowered, and without suffering in the cold. Use these easy ways to heat a home without using a furnace. Although some of these methods will not completely heat the home, they will help save money since you will be able to lower the thermostat - at least temporarily.
Bake Something in the Oven
An oven can produce a tremendous amount of heat in the home. Kill two birds with one stone by baking something delicious. Consider a side dish of baked potatoes. They take an hour or more to bake, and this will help heat your home without using the furnace. Be sure to prop the oven door open after the food is fully baked. This will allow the heat to escape into the home where it is needed, and it will keep the furnace from kicking on, especially if the trigger temperature is turned down a few degrees.
Use High-Efficiency Electric Heaters
When looking for ways to heat the home without using the furnace, consider buying high-efficiency electric heaters. Do not base your choice on looks alone. Be sure to read the energy stats and rating before making a purchase. Some are more efficient than others. On days when it is too cold to go without heat, but it is not too cold to look for alternate heating options, this is the ideal choice. This is especially true if many of the rooms in the home are not in use. Heat the main living area without using the furnace, and opt for electric blankets or mattress pads for nighttime warmth and comfort.
Let the Sun Shine In
Nature provides one of the best ways to heat a home without using the furnace. Do not waste the natural sunlight that penetrates the panes of glass in your home. The rays of the sun naturally heat up glass, and the warmth radiates into the home - if the sunlight and warmth is not blocked. Make sure that windows are properly sealed for winter. If they are leaky, use a window sealing kit. Do away with heavy drapery, and allow sunlight to warm the glass. Direct sunlight can fade carpets and furnishings, but indirect natural lighting can provide valuable warmth, and without using the furnace.
Bake Something in the Oven
An oven can produce a tremendous amount of heat in the home. Kill two birds with one stone by baking something delicious. Consider a side dish of baked potatoes. They take an hour or more to bake, and this will help heat your home without using the furnace. Be sure to prop the oven door open after the food is fully baked. This will allow the heat to escape into the home where it is needed, and it will keep the furnace from kicking on, especially if the trigger temperature is turned down a few degrees.
Use High-Efficiency Electric Heaters
When looking for ways to heat the home without using the furnace, consider buying high-efficiency electric heaters. Do not base your choice on looks alone. Be sure to read the energy stats and rating before making a purchase. Some are more efficient than others. On days when it is too cold to go without heat, but it is not too cold to look for alternate heating options, this is the ideal choice. This is especially true if many of the rooms in the home are not in use. Heat the main living area without using the furnace, and opt for electric blankets or mattress pads for nighttime warmth and comfort.
Let the Sun Shine In
Nature provides one of the best ways to heat a home without using the furnace. Do not waste the natural sunlight that penetrates the panes of glass in your home. The rays of the sun naturally heat up glass, and the warmth radiates into the home - if the sunlight and warmth is not blocked. Make sure that windows are properly sealed for winter. If they are leaky, use a window sealing kit. Do away with heavy drapery, and allow sunlight to warm the glass. Direct sunlight can fade carpets and furnishings, but indirect natural lighting can provide valuable warmth, and without using the furnace.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Crystal Ray - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Crystal Ray is an award-winning freelance writer and artist from the Chicago area. Her passion is interior design, but she also loves entertaining and crafting. She is continually developing unique and creat... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentThank you for these very good ideas. I have to say that: Let the Sun Shine In--is a particularly good idea. Too often we are busy closing everything off in the winter but the natural way still works great!
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