Arrange Your Furniture to Save Energy

There's an old saying: "Every little bit helps," and it has a wide range of applications. Energy conservation and heat-saving tricks are no exception. First there are the big remodeling steps we can take to improve home efficiency: new windows, doors, appliances, insulation, and more. But there are also the little things, such as new light bulbs and programmable thermostats that add up to make a big difference. Now we go even further outside the box to arranging furniture to save energy. Considering the large amount of furniture most of us have at home, arranging it all with energy efficiency in mind can have a significant impact.

Keep your electric heat inside

Computers, televisions, lamps, and other household appliances produce a decent amount of heat while running. Anyone who has set their hand on the back of the TV or felt the warm glow of overhead lighting can attest to that. This is not an encouragement to leave these devices on all the time, but it is a good reason to move them away from exterior walls. This due to the fact that much of the heat they create can be lost through the wall, especially if tight insulation is lacking.

Avoid the draft

Just as heat escapes through the walls, cold air gets in through windows and doors. This creates draft zones, or areas that feel colder than the rest of the house. Arrange seating -- couch, desk, etc. -- away from windows and doors to avoid these drafts (in addition to winterizing your house). Quite often we end up running the heater much more than necessary because we're sitting in the coldest part of the house.

Creative insulation

Tall bookshelves full of books act as insulation against heat loss. These you want on exterior walls. Even artwork or tapestries provide some value.

Don't obstruct heating vents

This is a common mistake when arranging furniture. Keep the sofa or bed off of heating vents if at all possible. This stops or significantly slows the progress of heat throughout the house, forcing your heater to wear itself out spending energy.

Solar eclipse

In winter it is vital that south windows be allowed to collect sunlight. This is direct gain passive solar heating at its most basic level. But blinds, shades, or curtains provide some insulation value against heat loss at night and heat gain in the summertime when you don't want that direct sunlight.

Add it up

These are some creative ways to "energize" your house and are open for interpretation and addition. Just about any material hung on a wall will have some kind of insulation value. None of them are answers for uninsulated walls or poor performing windows. They will, however, make a difference and make winter living a bit more comfortable for you while you contemplate those larger upgrades for your next remodeling project.

This smart article was contributed by Dan Harding of CalFinder. Read more of Dan's writing about green remodeling and residential solar power.