The Best Ways to Heat Your Home: Separating Myth from Fact

By Sarah Lozanova, Green Building Writer

​When fall sets in, our heating systems kick into high gear to keep our houses warm. As it gets colder, you want to heat your home in the most efficient way possible, but it can be tough to know the best strategy to use when facts and myths all blend together. Here, we uncover some truths and bust falsehoods about energy saving so that you can stay warm and cozy the efficient way.

Myth: Installing new energy-efficient windows saves 30 to 40 percent on heating and cooling bills.
Although this can be true in some extreme circumstances in which super-leaky single-pane windows are replaced, most homeowners save a mere 10 to 20 percent at best. If you’re concerned about the performance of your windows, there are other steps you can take.

Fact: There are lots of easy ways to prevent heat loss through windows and warm your home with the sun. Curtains can reduce heat loss in a room by 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To save energy, close all your curtains at night. During the day, close curtains in rooms that don’t receive direct sunlight, especially if the daylight isn’t needed. In the summer months, it’s a good idea to close the curtains in rooms receiving direct sunlight to keep your home from warming up.

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