If you’re like most people, you’re probably looking for ways to save money on your bills. Every year, Americans spend thousands of dollars on their utility bills. When the wintry weather arrives, and you can’t avoid your heating costs, you may feel overwhelmed with the idea of high-energy costs. With the 4 savvy tips below, you can save money on your heating bill and gain a little peace of mind.
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Block Drafts in Windows and Doors
Covering the drafts caused by your windows and doors can help energy costs tremendously. By blocking cold air from entering the house, your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to heat the entire house. You can buy or create your own draft blockers to slide under doors and install affordable window coverings to block drafts.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should “use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.”
Another way to block window drafts is to purchase or make your own drapes that are insulating (or made from extremely thick fabric). This can help block cold air from entering and provide a natural insulation for keeping hot air in.
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Use the Sun for Free Heating
If your windows and doors are now draft-free, you can use the sun as a natural heat source. When it’s cold outside but the sun is beating down nicely, open your shades and drapes to allow as much sun to come in as possible. You should be able to turn the thermostat down during this time, since the sun will help produce heat.
This savvy tip can be used year-round. You can use the sun for heating and cooling purposes. By opening your curtains on south-facing windows during the winter, you’ll bring in warm sun. After the sun goes down, close the curtains again to ensure the warm air you gained throughout the day stays. In the summer, the opposite works for cooling your home.
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Inspect your Heating Systems
If you have your own home, you know that heating systems can be expensive. You may not be able to perform regularly-scheduled maintenance on your heating systems yourself, but it’s a really good idea to get it done. You can significantly prolong the life of your heating system by simply hiring a professional to inspect your system and perform routine tune-ups. If your heating system isn’t working properly, you may pay for its inefficiency.
According to Huffington Post, one way to perform important maintenance yourself is by “checking the filter at least once a month during regular usage and replacing the filter when it looks dirty or to the manufacturer’s specifications.” Hiring a professional can not only keep your system running smoothly, but also give you insight on more efficient ways to save money on your bill.
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Change your Thermostat at Night or when you’re not Home
It’s amazing that you could save almost 10 percent each year just by turning down the thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours at night. Since the whole house is typically sleeping, it’s the perfect time to turn down the heat a little. Another way to save money on heat at night is to turn off heat in rooms that are not currently being used or shut doors to those rooms, so less heat is required.
By investing in warm sheets and pajamas, you can turn down your thermostat safely at night without worrying about being too cold. When you leave the house, be sure to turn the thermostat down as well, so you’re not wasting unnecessary energy.
By following these savvy, cost-saving tips, you’ll be saving energy and money in no time at all. While there’s no way to avoid the responsibilities of our utilities, there are ways to cut costs and save money. By making a few small sacrifices, you’ll be spending the colder months less worried about your heating bill.
