Colder temperatures lead to higher heating bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the typical family spends around $2,200 a year on energy bills, with almost half of that accounting for heating and cooling.
Whether it’s using natural light or turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees, there are ways to save money on your heating bill this winter.
1. Dress for the Temperature
One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating bill is to dress for the cold. Wear thicker socks, or use flannel blankets. Invest in a rug if you have hardwood floors to keep them insulated. The lower you have your heat, the more money you will save.
2. Only Heat Necessary Rooms
If you have storage or guest rooms that you don’t use everyday, close the vents. This will direct airflow to rooms you use the most versus heating unoccupied spaces. Space heaters can be used instead of heat in some rooms to cut costs.
3. Insulate
Proper home insulation can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Inexpensive insulation from your local hardware store can block heat from escaping via doors, floors, outlets, roofs, walls and windows.
Weather stripping windows and doors is another relatively cheap and easy winter-proofing methid. This is when you take a strip of foam adhesive and outline the cracks of the door or window to seal it so cool air can’t slip through.
4. Keep Vents Clean
Keep furnace vents clean and unblocked by consistently checking and replacing filters when they get dirty. This allows air to move freely throughout your home, reduces energy consumption and saves on your heating bill.
5. Utilize Fans
Using a fan to heat your home can seem contradictory, but it’s actually a simple, cost-effective solution. Turning your fan to rotate clcokwise traps heat inside your home and gently pushes hot air back down into the room.
6. Get Smart
If you’re ready to really save some money on your heating bill this winter, consider a smart thermostat. These connected thermostats allow users to remotely adjust and set temperatures to automatic schedules from a computer, tablet or mobile device, or based on geo-fences and your proximity to home. You can also receive alerts when the thermostat changes or hits a certain threshold.
More effective thermostat management tied to your lifestyle results in money savings, energy efficiency and comfortable living temperatures.
How do you save money on your energy bill in the winter? Share in the comments below.
