Winter is a time for staying warm, cozy, and protected from the cold. And while it’s easy to spend money on heating bills when you’re trying to stay warm all winter long, there are many ways that you can keep your home heated without going broke.
Despite what the media may have led you to believe, not all homeowners have the money to waste on their heating bills. And sometimes, you just don’t know where to look to find the best ways to keep your home heated for less money.
To help you out this winter, here is a list of 10 tips that will allow you to stay warm without breaking the bank. After all, who doesn’t want to save money when they’re trying to survive the cold?
Secret #1 Insulate, insulate, insulate
An empty house is an energy sieve. That’s why insulation is the first step to keeping your house warm without spending too much. You can purchase insulation products at hardware or home improvement stores. It’s also possible to get free used materials from other homeowners who are getting rid of old siding, drywall, and soffits.
Secret #2 Seal air leaks around windows and doors
Air leaks can suck the life out of your heating bill because warm air tends to rise and escape. A simple tube of caulk can be used to seal small cracks between windows and sills, around window and door frames, and along siding joints.
Secret #3 Make sure the furnace is in good working order
Maintain your furnace and you’ll get more years of service out of it. Every season, make sure the ducts are clear and adjust the airflow settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean or replace air filters as recommended by the manual.
Secret #4 Install a programmable thermostat
It’s easy to get in the habit of turning up the heat while you’re awake and then turn it down when everyone is asleep. A programmable thermostat takes all of this guesswork out of your hands, automatically reducing the temperature when no one’s around. Plus, programming your thermostat to heat up before you get up or come home can help cut back on energy costs substantially.
Secret #5 Keep your fireplace damper closed
A fireplace can be an excellent way to heat your home during the wintertime. Just make sure that the damper stays closed unless you’re using it. If you’re not using it, keep it shut to prevent cold air from flowing inside and heating costs from skyrocketing.
Secret #6 Use space heaters when necessary
Nothing beats a heating bill that’s zero dollars. If your local area is experiencing extremely low temperatures, consider using space heaters to keep one or two rooms warm enough for everyone to be comfortable. Space heaters are portable, which means they’re good for spot heating. Just remember never to use an extension cord with them and keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from them.
Secret #7 Add exterior sidings to your home
New siding can increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping heat that’s inside in and cold air outside. But if you already have sidings that have been damaged by wear and tear, consider hiring a siding contractor service to fix or replace them.
Secret #8 Use a furnace filter to keep the air clean and fresh
Most homes don’t have air filters. That’s why it’s important to install one that will catch the dust and debris that floats by your heating unit and into your home. Dirt and rust particles can contaminate HVAC equipment, causing it to work harder, which in turn, can increase energy bills.
Secret #9 Add weatherstripping to exterior doors and windows
Weatherstripping prevents cold air from leaking into your home and keeps it locked in. The cost of this simple step is next to nothing, but the benefits can be priceless. So, consider weatherizing your exterior doors and windows as soon as the temperature drops.
Secret #10 Wear layers of clothing to stay warm
This is an old trick in the book, but it’s one that still works. The more you wear, the warmer you’ll be. Plus, bundling up will keep you from turning up the temperature on your thermostat. That’s why whenever you head outside, don’t forget to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.
Winter is a tough time of year for many homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. With these easy-to-follow home heating secrets, you’ll be able to stay warm even on cold winter nights without going broke in the process. So, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be just fine.
