Hamilton Building Services

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that no one likes being cold in their own home. While there are more permanent measures you can take to weatherproof your home, like installing new windows or checking your attic’s insulation, sometimes you just need a quick and inexpensive fix. These winter hacks will help keep the cool air out and the warm air in your home where it belongs. Check out our favorite get-warm-quick solutions here .

December through February usually tend to get a bit nippy, especially if you're in the northeastern part of the country. If you find yourself pinching pennies because of your heating bill, try out this helpful hint. Check how you're doing - most providers will supply their customers with some kind of comparison chart in their monthly bill. Often, if you pay your heating bill via online there is an option to view your heat use compared to the national average and compared to your surrounding neighbors. This should give you a decent gauge of where you stand with your energy consumption. Many providers even break it down for you what times of day you use more energy, or how it's being used. For instance, maybe your report tells you that you spend a lot of your bill on heating hot water. If this is the case, find ways to reduce this cost such as setting a timer on your shower time or doing a little less laundry and a little more bundling up. Image via www.concret...

With the cold honing in on us, staying warm becomes a thought we can't let go of. But how do you know the best way to heat your home? Should you use space heaters, or will they only jack up your electric bill more and defeat the purpose? We've done some research to find out more about space heaters and when they are a good fit for your home and your budget. Check out what we found! Image via www.consumerreports.org When does it work? 1. If you're supplementing some heat in a particularly cool or drafty space  2. When you're trying to keep your thermostat down and just want to section off a small area to be a few degrees warmer 3. If you're looking to heat a space for a small amount of time, just for comfort. For instance, some people use space heaters to heat an office cubicle.   When doesn't it work? 1. When you're trying to heat a large area 2. If you're using the space heater as your only source of heat. Space ...

During the colder months, it is not unusual to watch heating bills skyrocket within a few days. If you are someone who can relate to this dilemma, follow the following tips & tricks to drop your heating bill up to 50%. Remember, though, that the more effort you put in to sealing off your house, the lower your bill will drop! Image via www.energy.gov 1. Use the sun's heat - If there's  a warm sun in the sky, let it in your house to help rise the temperature a bit. Having heavy, insulated curtains is a great start, but the sun's heat can really impact the temperature of your home if you utilize it at the right time of day.  2. Seal off cracks & crevices - Some people use plastic window insulation kits to seal off windows. This method is relatively cheap, and if done properly, it can save you a ton of money if you have poorly insulated or old windows. Quick tip: don't forget your chimney if it goes unused!  3. Add weatherstripping or caulking wh...