With a few tricks, you can save energy and lower costs this winter.
With fall comes changing leaves, earlier sunsets and cooler temperatures — which translates into higher heating costs. Fortunately, a few tweaks to your home or apartment can help keep the heat up while making sure the bills stay down and your budget stays on track. Here are some easy — and low-cost — heating hacks to try this season
Replace your furnace filters
A dirty filter only makes your furnace work harder, resulting in higher heating bills. So if your furnace filters haven’t been switched out in a while, it’s time. Clean filters reduce energy use while also preventing indoor air pollution from common allergens like dust and pollen. Experts say you should change your filters every time the seasons change, and this quick, 10-minute job is the simplest way to get the most out of your furnace. Plus, staying on top of filter changes will also extend its lifespan as well.
Lower your thermostat and water heater
Ok, it’s not the most appealing option in the dead of winter. But lowering the temperature on your thermostat and your water heater even a couple of degrees could knock between 5 and 10 percent off of your heating bill.
Use your oven
Dinner is ready — but don’t close that oven door just yet. Keep the door open and let the heat flow into your home for an extra dose of warmth that won’t add anything extra to your heating bills.
Maximize your vents
Paying attention to your vents can help get the heat flowing without accruing higher bills. Make sure there are no large pieces of furniture sitting in front of vents and blocking the airflow. Also check individual vents and if you can, close the ones off that you’re not using. The air will divert to open vents and push the heat out stronger.
Use your ceiling fans
Ceiling fans aren’t only for staying cool. In the winter, change the fan direction to clockwise and run it at a slow speed. Because warm air rises, it will go up and then be forced down and dispersed throughout the room by the fan. This simple flip of a switch can result in a 15 percent reduction in your heating bills.
Check for air leaks
High heating bills can be the result of small, unnoticed air leaks in your home. The cold air sneaks in, and your heater has to work harder to keep the room warm. Look around outlets, windows and door frames, attic entrances, recessed lights for undetected air leaks, then plug them in with caulk, spray foam, sealant or other tools from your local hardware store.
Insulate
For around $20, you can buy a window insulation kit. Stretch this plastic across your windows — with a little help from a hair dryer — and you’ll keep cold air out, warm air in, and even help eliminate moisture accumulation out the outside of your windows. Additionally, make sure attics, basements and crawlspaces — as well as other cold spaces — are insulated. Upping the insulation in your house can reduce heating bills between 15 and 20 percent.
Use the drapes
Use the sun — and your drapes — to your advantage for an extra heating boost. If you have a window that faces south — the direction the sun comes from in North America — keep drapes open to capture those rays and add a little extra warmth to your home. Similarly, draw the shades on windows that are facing away from the sun in order to keep the warmth in.
Smart thermostat
If it’s in the budget, invest in Smart thermostat. Ringing in between $30 and $100, the tech-savvy product can be controlled from your cell phone, so you can ensure the temperature is always where you want it to be whether you’re home or not. Many are also equipped with sensors to determine if someone is home and adjust accordingly. With a smart thermostat, you can also create dedicated heating schedules, track your energy use and control the device with your voice.
Bundle up
It’s the most old-fashioned advice on our list, but the simplest way to save money on heating bills is to dress warmer while at home. Throw on a sweater, pull up the wool socks and find your warmest blanket. The best way to save money on heating bills is to put on an extra layer and get cozy while you’re in your living space.
With a few quick and easy hacks, you can keep heating bills on budget this winter without feeling like you’re sacrificing comfort and warmth.
