There is nothing quite like coming home from a long day’s work to a toasty home during the frigid winter months. However, keeping your home heated in the winter can be costly. Though every year you may do your best to cut your heating bill as much as possible, sometimes the best efforts don’t have the most significant impact. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can use to reduce your heating bill during the colder months. Some of these tips are wholly practical, while others may have never even occurred to you.
1. Bubble Wrap Your Windows
Some may already be aware of the plastic film that can be installed over windows to help insulate them during the winter. Amazingly, bubble wrap can do even more to keep the cold out. With its small pockets of air, it can trap cold air that would usually escape through your windows and into your home. Working in combination with plastic film, you will keep your home warmer! The only downside is that you may not have an easy time looking out at the beautiful snowfalls that occur each year.
2. Drop the Thermostat
Everybody knows that if you accept a colder temperature inside your house, it will result in savings. However, this doesn’t mean you have to turn your home into an igloo. You can drop the temperature significantly at night and when you leave for work or to run errands. Every degree you drop your thermostat, you will save roughly 1% every eight hours.
If you’d like to take your thermostat to the next level, consider investing in a Smart Thermostat. These devices are super helpful when it comes to saving money to the point where they practically pay for themselves in just under a year! These smart thermostats adjust themselves automatically depending on the time of day, time of year, and temperature. For example, you can wake up to a warm house in the winter, and when you leave for work, the Smart Thermostat will turn down the heat, saving you money. It also turns itself back on so that you come home to a warm home. All of this is done without touching your thermostat at all during the day. Not only does this make things easier and stress-free, but you’ll save money, as well.
3. Re-caulk Where Necessary
Giving your windows a re-caulking before the weather drops is an incredible way to cut costs on your heating bill and is surprisingly affordable! You have probably read the importance of making sure your doors and windows are caulked before, but we are here to make sure you understand! This is one of the best things you can do to save money on your heating bill, as well as seal the warm air in and keep that cold air out.
4. Check Your Weatherstripping
An annoying draft is one of the most noticeable causes of heat loss in a home, particularly due to failed weatherstripping. Replacing your weatherstripping before the cold weather hits is a super simple task that will result in immediate improvements to your heating bill. Some doors have weatherstripping slots built right into them, allowing you to swap them out without hassle easily! However, if your door does not have them, self-adhesive strips are handy around the edges and the doorframe. Luckily, these are also super easy to install, so there’s no reason to wait to replace your weatherstripping.
There are many other methods when it comes to checking your home. If you see frost or condensation on your window frames, this is a clear indication that air leaks are present. If this is the case, you may need to look into replacing your windows altogether. Not only is this an area where cold can come into your home, but too much condensation build-up can lead to mould. Though this can be a costly fix, you will most definitely make up for it in the long run with money saved on your heating bill.
5. Insulate Electrical Boxes
Many people may not know, but your electrical box can be a significant source of drafty cold air that exists behind your drywall. While the overall impact might not be massive at first, the cost to fix them is very minor. Some simple insulating pads can help keep the cold air behind the walls.
6. Put More Green in Your Home
A huge reason why a home feels colder in the winter is due to low humidity levels. To make your home feel warmer in the colder months without having to touch your thermostat, purchase more houseplants. If you have a higher number of houseplants in your home, they will generate some humidity. This won’t cut the cost of your heating bill directly, but it will help you turn it down a degree or two! Additionally, any room with more houseplants is always more inviting.
7. Use Your Ceiling Fan
Something many people may be unaware of when it comes to keeping your house warm is that you can make do with what you already have. If you have a ceiling fan in your home, change the rotational direction of the fan so that it spins clockwise. By changing the direction of the airflow and running the fan on the lowest mode, the fan will keep warm air closer to the ground, preventing it from rising. It may not seem like much, but this can result in you no longer having to crank your thermostat to warm your home. This is one of the easiest methods to help cut your heating bill this winter.
8. Unplug Appliances You Aren’t Using
Many people are aware that when an appliance is not in use, unplugging it can save a bit of money. However, not all are aware of just how much it can save you. Depending on the number of appliances you unplug, you can save up to 10% per month on your heating bill. This can be frustrating at first, but by making it a habit similar to turning off your lights, it can become quite natural to get into the routine. Items, such as video game consoles, computers, and microwaves, all eat electricity, even when turned off. This also goes for light fixtures and phone chargers. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but you’ll also lower the risk of electrical fires and ruining your products in the event of a power surge.
9. Open Your Curtains
If you aren’t a fan of the cold, it can be easy to close all the curtains in your house to try to forget the chilly weather outside. However, if you’re trying to cut your heating bill, this can cost you money. As opposed to the summer, letting in sunlight in the winter is excellent when it comes to saving energy. Not only is this a straightforward method of heating your home, but when combined with your primary heating methods, it can save you tons. Depending on the layout of your home, it is essential to open your curtains that face the sun mainly. It is also important to remember to close them before the sun goes down not to let in the cool night air!
10. Block Your Chimney When Not in Use
A beautiful fireplace is an excellent addition to any living room. However, when not in use, a fireplace can be the perfect place for heat to escape. When you aren’t using it, it’s essential to block your chimney. This is especially true if you don’t use your fireplace at all or own an older home. There are many methods of blocking your chimney, none of which are too pricey. These include chimney caps and chimney balloons, which can both be easily removed in case you want to get cozy with the family and use your fireplace.
11. Clean Your Furnace Filter
Generally, furnaces are the most popular method of heating your home. In 2011, roughly 57% of households in the country used a furnace to heat their home, according to Statistics Canada. Though a popular option when it comes to keeping your house warm, many people don’t do their part in cleaning it. With consistent use, your furnace filter will get clogged and dirty. When this happens, it slows down the airflow. Unsurprisingly, this results in your furnace not working at its full capacity. Furthermore, your furnace will work harder to distribute warm air, resulting in a hefty increase when it comes to your energy bill. This can easily be fixed by checking your filter at least once a month during the winter. Look for dirty filters or clogged coils and replace them to keep your home warm and lower your heating bill costs.
12. Use a Humidifier
A significant impact on the temperature and comfort of your home is the humidity. Ideally, you will want to keep your humidity levels in your home between 30 and 40%. As you know, moist air holds more heat and therefore feels warmer compared to dry air. Due to this, installing a humidifier can enable you to lower the temperature of your home and save on heating costs. Thus, making your home much more comfortable to live in! A humidifier is one of the best purchases one can make if you are trying to cut your heating bill.
While you are making these simple home upgrades to reduce your heating bill, consider other ways to save money. In addition to your home, we’ve got ways to save on your car’s gas this winter as well. This includes bundling your home and auto policies! You may be overpaying, so request a quote from us today to find out.
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