Winter is coming — and so are the heating bills. Keeping warm is only going to get more expensive in a world scrambling for energy resources.
Nationwide, gas users spend the least annually, about $644, to stay warm. Propane users, however, spend about $1,437. The cost can vary wildly depending on your heating method.
The trick to lowering utility bills is knowing how to save on heating bills. Heat is usually a large portion of utility spending during the cold months.
To find out all the tips and tricks on how to save a few bucks, check out the guide below.
Use the Sun’s Heat
The sun is the ultimate source of heat. Just because it’s more than 90 million miles away doesn’t mean you can’t use it to your advantage.
During the day, open the shutters where the sun comes in. It moves throughout the day, so try to follow it. This will bring more heat into your home.
When the sun goes down and the cold creeps in, feel free to close your shutters.
Wear the Right Clothes
Another key way to stay warm is to wear the right clothes. The best part of winter in lounging around the house in the comfy, soft, warm outfits you packed away during spring.
Wool socks, thick sweaters, and even a rug can help you turn down the thermostat a few degrees.
Warm Up Your Body
Warm clothes will keep your body warm, but there are other ways to warm your body up.
Exercise is a great way to get your blood flowing and warm. After exercising, you can make a hot meal to warm up the kitchen and your insides. Don’t forget to enjoy your hot meal with some hot tea, coffee, or cocoa.
Control Your Vents
Ventilation throughout the house can waste a lot of heat. If you have empty rooms with vents, try sealing them off to improve your energy efficiency.
Maintain Your Furnace
Your furnace is your powerhouse — treat it well and it will be loyal to you. An unmaintained furnace, however, is prone to problems.
Make sure to check your filter can keep your furnace free of obstructions. This will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Get Proper Insulation
Proper insulation is essential to keeping heat in your home. If it’s been a while since the last time you checked your insulation, it’s likely time to check it again.
It may cost you a little bit, but it will save you a lot on your heating bills in the long run.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a wise investment if you’re worried about your heating bills. The initial cost is nothing compared to the savings you’ll see.
A programmable thermostat allows you to program what temperature you want at different times of the day. For example, you should lower the thermostat when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
How to Save on Heating Bills
Learning how to save on heating bills is all about routine. Once you know all the tips and tricks, it’s up to you to follow them diligently.
For some extra help from the professionals, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
