Johann Hunt
Winter is upon us, and while it brings cozy vibes and hot cocoa, it also brings the inevitable rise in heating bills. No need to panic, though! With a few thoughtful adjustments and smart moves, you can keep your home warm without seeing your energy costs skyrocket. So, here are 20 practical and quirky tips that can help you decrease those heating bills all season long.
Seal Windows and Doors
Even small gaps around doors can lead to significant heat loss, causing your heater to work overtime. Check for any drafts and seal them using weatherstripping or caulking. You can also use foam tape for areas with larger gaps. A well-sealed house helps to maintain a constant indoor temperature.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is like having a personal heating assistant. Set it to lower the temperature when you’re at work or sleeping, and automatically raise it just before you get home. This helps save energy by only heating your home when you really need it, which ensures you’re not wasting money on heating an empty house.
Layer Up
Don’t underestimate the power of clothing in staying warm. If you’re comfortable wearing a sweater, you can keep the thermostat lower. Layering up with thermals or fuzzy socks and wearing cozy pajamas can make you feel much warmer without turning up the heat. The more you bundle up, the less your heating system has to work!
Close Curtains at Night
At night, your windows can act as heat thieves, drawing warmth out of your home. Thick curtains or blinds can provide insulation by trapping the heat inside. Just remember to open them during the day to let the natural sunlight warm your rooms. It’s a free, eco-friendly way to maintain a cozy atmosphere.
Maintain Your Furnace
Your furnace works hard all winter, and regular maintenance ensures it’s running at peak efficiency. Change filters monthly, clean out vents, and schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year. A furnace running smoothly not only saves energy but also extends its lifespan. This small investment can keep your heating bills down for years.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
For smaller spaces or rooms you’re not using often, space heaters can be a great way to add warmth where you need it most. Just be sure to use them safely. Turn them off when you leave the room, and avoid using them overnight. The key is to heat specific areas without overtaxing your main heating system.
Close Off Unused Rooms
If you have rooms you don’t use often, like a guest bedroom, close the vents and doors to those spaces. This will prevent the system from wasting energy in unoccupied rooms. Plus, heating only the spaces you use ensures you’re not paying for unnecessary heat and increases the efficiency of your heating system.
Check Your Insulation
Proper insulation is one of the most important factors in maintaining a warm home. Check your attic, walls, and floors for areas that may need extra insulation. Insulation prevents heat from escaping, which means your heater won’t have to work as hard. Even a small investment in additional insulation can lead to significant savings.
Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs consume less energy and emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. While they don’t provide warmth, using them throughout your home can significantly cut down on lighting costs, and every bit of savings adds up to help keep overall energy bills lower. It’s a small change that makes a big difference over time.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Did you know your ceiling fan can help with winter heating? Switch it to rotate clockwise (typically, there’s a small switch on the motor), and it will push warm air down from the ceiling. Warm air naturally rises, so circulating it back down keeps your space warmer without increasing your heating bill.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air can make your home feel colder than it is. Adding moisture with a humidifier warms up the space and lets you lower the thermostat—a big saving on heating costs. This trick not only cuts costs but also soothes dry skin and sinuses in winter. Just keep it clean to prevent bacteria buildup.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Your water heater can be a big energy drain if it’s not properly insulated. Add a water heater blanket to reduce the loss of heat and maintain the temperature of the water inside. This simple upgrade means your heater won’t have to work as hard to keep water hot, saving you money on both your heating and water bills.
Cook More at Home
Cooking doesn’t just fill your stomach—it can help warm your home, too! Using your oven or stove adds extra heat to the kitchen and surrounding areas. On particularly cold days, consider using the oven for baking or slow cooking. Not only will you be feeding your family, but you’ll be raising the temperature of your house naturally.
Get Smart With Curtains
If you haven’t already, consider investing in thick, insulated curtains. They act as an extra layer of insulation over your windows, keeping heat in and cold out. You don’t have to splurge—there are plenty of affordable, stylish options that will enhance both your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Close the Fireplace Damper
If you have a fireplace, make sure to close the damper when it’s not in use. An open fireplace damper is like leaving a window open in winter—it allows all the warm air in your home to escape. Close it tightly when you’re done with your cozy fire to ensure the warmth stays inside.
Use Rugs on Cold Floors
Hardwood, tile, and stone floors can feel frigid in the winter, especially if the air underneath them is cold. Adding rugs or carpets in key areas, such as living rooms and bedrooms, creates an extra layer of warmth and insulation. Plus, they keep your feet toasty. This makes your home feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
Install a Door Sweep
Doors are another common place for cold air to sneak in. A door sweep is an inexpensive and easy solution to seal the bottom of exterior doors. It blocks drafts, keeping your warm air in and the cold air out. Door sweeps are available at most home improvement stores and can be installed in minutes.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off. This is called “phantom” or “standby” power. Unplugging electronics, chargers, and appliances when not in use can save you energy and reduce your heating costs. It’s a simple habit to start that can add up to significant savings over time.
Embrace the Sunshine
On sunny days, let the sunlight warm your home by opening your blinds and curtains. The sun’s heat is a free and natural source of warmth. Just be sure to close the blinds again as the sun sets to keep that warmth inside and prevent it from escaping overnight.
Maintain Your Chimney
If you have a cozy fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and in good condition. A clogged chimney can block airflow, reducing your fireplace’s efficiency and heat output. Regular chimney cleaning—using a sweep brush—helps your fireplace work better and keeps your home warmer.