The living room or family room is a favorite hangout for most people. These are also rooms where you can easily save energy with a few minor changes.
- Keep doors to the outside closed. Contrary to popular belief, storm doors are usually not very effective as heat transfer barriers. Always close the primary door after entering or exiting the house.
- Move furniture away from your heating registers. Blocked registers make furnaces work harder. When proper air circulation is inhibited, it can result in a higher energy bill.
- Use draft guards at the bottom of doors that open into unairconditioned or unheated areas.
- Keep heating registers and air vents clear of obstacles and make sure you clean or replace furnace filters regularly.
- Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.
- On sunny days, open south facing drapes and let the sun in, a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don't receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed.
- Close your drapes and blinds during the night.
