How To Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

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With the winter months upon us, it is wise to begin thinking of ways to keep your home warm in the frigid months ahead.

Consider what is most important to you: is it keeping costs low? Energy efficiency? Maximum heat? Here are some tips on how to achieve a warm and cozy home this winter without breaking the bank:

 

Turn Down That Thermostat

While it may seem obvious, it is far too easy to go throughout the day with the thermostat set on a higher number than you really need it to be, and it is also easy to forget about it. Make it a goal to keep the thermostat under a certain set number for so many hours a day, only turning it up when absolutely necessary. A homeowner can save up to 3% on their heating bill for every degree the thermostat is turned down. Why not give it a try?

 

Cut Off Cold Air Flow

There are many hidden gaps and holes throughout a house where cold air can seep in from the outside, completely undermining the work of the thermostat. Place a towel under doors to block the space between the floor and the door, as well as along the bottom of windows. Spray foam insulation is a key helper in blocking drafty holes. Stop sneaky cold air in its tracks by plugging leaks with spray foam insulation before the weather turns. This low-cost solution will pay for itself in the amount of money saved on future winter energy bills.

 

Invest in Curtains

If you have bare windows, no matter how large or small, they present an opportunity for the cold air from outside to permeate your house and make the temperature drop. By covering windows with heavy curtains and closing them at night, you will make your house easier to heat and therefore more energy-efficient. Opening curtains on south facing windows during sunny days will heat your home naturally, saving degrees on the thermostat.

 

Watch Your Rugs

The simple act of keeping rugs and other obstructions free from heating vents makes it easier and much quicker for the vents to heat a home. If heated air is able to circulate properly it will do so in less time and with less energy.

 

Turn Down the Water Heater While You’re at It

Don’t worry—you will not have to sacrifice a hot shower in order to heat the rest of your home. Statistics show that homeowners who make the decision to turn down their water heaters to around 115 to 120 degrees will reduce their monthly bill, and all without a noticeable change in water temperature.

There are many different ways one can reduce their heating bill in the winter months, all with little to no overhead. Along with the tips listed above, though a bit pricier, keeping your furnace maintained and modern will also help reduce heat bills in the long run. An old, out-of-date furnace can often end up costing you more to operate than you realize. Don’t waste any more money or energy when it is so simple to efficiently and cheaply heat your home—in just a few easy steps.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: freerangestock.com

George works in home construction and renovation in Vancouver, Canada. When he's not working, he loves gardening, carpentry and fixing up old furniture.