Last Updated on Dec 19, 2019 by James W
Are you trying to avoid freezing this winter but don’t want to break the bank? Here are 5 smart tips for saving money on your heating bill.
The average energy expenditure for an American household is about $3,000 per year.
In states like Michigan, North Dakota, and Maine, these expenditures are the highest. And it makes sense. These areas have some of the harshest winters in the entire country.
Winter is coming. In many parts of the United States, people have already turned up their thermostats.
But is it possible to stay warm in the winter without shelling out thousands of dollars? Here are 5 smart tips to help you save more money this winter without freezing!
1. Adjust the Thermostat
You don’t need to have your thermostat up all the time for your house to stay warm. In fact, the general rule of thumb for this goes like this: While you’re home, set your thermostat to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. Try to keep this as low as possible.
When you go to bed or leave your house, turn down your thermostat.
You can save energy in winter by turning the thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This will help you save 10% on your energy bills each year.
Keeping the thermostat down will also reduce dryness. It’s common to experience rashes and dry skin in the winter. You can combat irritated skin naturally. But you can also reduce dryness in the first place by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water near your furnace.
2. Minimize Drafts
What other smart tips can help you lower your heat bills in the winter?
By keeping more warm air in, you’ll feel less of a need to turn the thermostat up. But that’s hard to do when you have windows and doors that let in drafts.
To help with drafty windows, cover them with a heavy-duty plastic sheet. You should seal these tight with clear plastic film tape, as well. You can also use draft stoppers for your doors.
Insulate your rooms by installing tight drapes and shades on the windows. You should keep these closed for the most part. But on sunny days you can warm up certain spaces of your home with the natural light.
3. Seal Air Leaks
There are other areas of the home that are susceptible to air leaks and drafts. Light fixtures, pipes, and chimneys can all let in more cold air.
By identifying these areas and sealing them, you can contain more warm air. Weatherstripping materials, caulking, and pipe insulation can help with sealing air leaks.
4. Bundle Up
It may seem obvious enough, but bundling up is a sure way to save energy in winter.
We’re not saying you should wear your winter coat and hat around the house. But wearing long underwear, cozy socks, and sweaters will reduce your need to turn up the heat.
You should also “bundle up” your home by placing area rugs on hardwood floors. And did we mention lots and lots of blankets?
5. Have a Repair Contact Ready
When was the last time you had your heating system checked out?
The last thing you want is your furnace to break down in the middle of sub-zero weather. You can avoid potential problems by having your system checked out before winter.
You should also make it a point to have the number of a 24/7 HVAC service in case your system breaks this winter.
Whenever bad weather is on the way, make sure you charge your cell phone beforehand.
Stay Warm All Winter with Our Smart Tips
You shouldn’t have to freeze to save energy in winter. With these energy-efficient, money-saving smart tips, you won’t have to.
But don’t stop at your thermostat. There are other handy home tips to help you save time, effort, and more money. Learn more about them and put them to good use this winter – and all year round.
How do you save money on your energy bills during the winter? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
