As temperatures drop, it’s tempting to crank up the heat and enjoy a toasty home. But when that bill arrives, the warmth can quickly turn to regret. Luckily, a
few simple, organized strategies can help you keep your heating costs under control while still staying comfortable.
1. Seal the DealDrafts are sneaky culprits behind high heating bills. Inspect windows and doors for leaks, and apply
weather stripping or caulk where needed. Don’t forget to check for drafts around outlets, baseboards, and attic doors. For a quick fix, roll up a towel, or use a draft blocker, and place it along the bottom of drafty doors. 2. Curtain Call
Use your window coverings strategically. Open curtains during the day to let in natural sunlight and close them at night to trap the heat inside.
Consider investing in insulated or thermal curtains to make a big difference without a big upfront cost.
3. Maintain Your Furnace
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, so schedule a yearly tune-up to keep it in top shape. Change
your filters regularly—dirty filters make your system work harder and use more energy. Set a recurring reminder to check your filters monthly during the heating season.
4. Programmable Thermostats for the WinInstall a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature while you’re sleeping or out of the house. For example, dropping the thermostat by 7 to10 degrees for eight
hours a day can save up to 10% on heating costs. Not a fan of programming? A smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts automatically. 5. Dress Warm and CozyInstead of reaching for the thermostat, reach for a sweater, fuzzy socks, or a cozy blanket. Keeping yourself warm allows you to keep the temperature a little lower without sacrificing comfort. 6. Zone HeatingClose off unused rooms and vents in those areas so you’re not heating spaces you don’t use. Space heaters can be an option for warming the rooms you spend the most time in. That being said, remember to use them safely and sparingly. 7.
Ceiling Fans Aren’t Just for Summer
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they rotate clockwise. This simple trick pushes warm air near the ceiling back down into the room, making your space feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
8. Add Layers to Your Home
Rugs on hard floors, draft blockers at doors, and extra insulation in your attic all help to trap heat where you want it. Even small improvements like adding an insulating film to windows can cut down on heat loss.
9. Lower the Water Heater Temp
Your water heater works harder than you realize in the winter. Set it to 120°F to save energy without sacrificing hot showers.
10. Get Everyone on Board
Organizing your efforts as a family makes all the difference. Have a quick family meeting to discuss energy-saving goals, like keeping doors closed, turning off space heaters, and bundling up instead of reaching for the thermostat.
Lowering your heating bill doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With these organized strategies, you can create a cozy, energy-efficient home that keeps both your family and your wallet warm all winter long.
Remember, every small step adds up—just like those heating bills, but in a much better way.
