Keeping your house warm during the winter months can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to save money on your energy bills. However, there are a number of ways to keep your home warm and cozy without breaking the bank.
Check Your Insulation
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your house warm is to make sure that it is properly insulated. Insulation is the key to keeping heat inside your home, and it can make a huge difference in how warm your house feels. If you’re not sure whether your home is properly insulated, a professional energy auditor can help you determine what you need to do to improve it. They’ll use an infrared camera that shows where your house is leaking heat and letting cold air in.
Don’t want to go through the steps of bringing in an energy auditor? You can always do some investigating yourself by running your hand alongside the perimeter of windows, doors, and exterior wall outlets to feel for cold air.
Use Draft Stoppers
If you notice drafts in your home, you can try using draft stoppers on the doors and windows that are affected. These simple devices can help prevent cold air from entering your home. You can purchase draft stoppers, or you can easily make some yourself. (Simply fill an old sock or piece of fabric with rice or beans, and place it at the base of your door or window to keep drafts out.)
Another option is to use heavy curtains or blinds on your windows. These can help to keep out the cold air, and they can also help to keep the heat inside your home. Additionally, you can use window film to help insulate your windows and keep the heat in.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, it may be worth investing in one. These devices allow you to set the temperature in your home for different times of the day, so you can turn down the heat when you’re not home or when you’re asleep. This can help you save money on your energy bills, as you’re not heating your home when you don’t need to.
For a little more money, you can upgrade to a smart thermostat. These thermostats track your activity and are able to predict when to increase and lower the temperature based on when you’re home or away/what time of day it is.
Buy a Space Heater
You can also save money on your heating bills by buying a space heater. These portable devices can be used to heat specific rooms in your home, rather than heating the entire house. This can be an especially effective strategy if you have rooms that aren’t used very often, such as a guest room or a home office. It’s also a great option for people who work in a home office all day or want to heat a single bedroom overnight.
Get Your Heating System Tuned Up
While it might cost some money upfront, you can save money on long-term heating costs by having an HVAC professional come out to tune up your heating system before the winter season. It’s a good idea to have your furnace or boiler serviced annually, and you should replace filters as needed. Additionally, you should make sure that your ductwork is properly sealed, as leaks in your ducts can cause heat to be lost.
Dress Warmly
Your comfort level is highly dependent on how warm you dress. If you’re walking around in a t-shirt and shorts with no socks on, you’re going to need to pay for a lot of heat to stay warm. On the contrary, if you’re wearing multiple layers, wool socks, and a hat, you can set the thermostat much lower during the winter months.
Choose clothing and bedding that are naturally insulating, like wool, down, and flannel. They can help to keep you warm even on the coldest nights.
Keep Your House Warm and Toasty
By following these tips, you can keep your house warm and cozy during the winter months, while also saving money on your energy bills. Whether you’re looking to insulate your home, use draft stoppers, or invest in a programmable thermostat, there are plenty of options. Use some of these tips to start saving without sacrificing!
