Winter is a beautiful time of the year, but it can be an expensive time of year too. Heating bills can skyrocket during the winter months, doing damage to your wallet and budget. Midwest Homeownership offers these tips for reducing winter heating costs.
Adjust your thermostat. When you’re asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down a few degrees. Reducing the temperature a few degrees for 8 hours a day can reduce your heating bill by 10%.
Clean or replace air filters. Dirty air filters can make it hard for heat to travel through your home, forcing your furnace or heat pump to work twice as hard to keep your home warm. Replacing your air filter from time to time keeps your home heating system working in top condition.
Insulation: Keep the Heat In
Making sure your home is properly insulated is one of the best ways to reduce winter heating costs. Adding insulation to your roof, attic, walls and windows is a great way to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Installing weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also help reduce drafts and heating costs. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, you can always hire a qualified professional.
Check Your Heating System Regularly
It’s important to have your heating system(s) checked by a professional every year. Regular maintenance and tune-ups can help you save money by making sure your system is working efficiently. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your system and keep it running safely.
Get a home energy audit to find out where and how much energy your home is using. A home energy audit provides you with a detailed report on how to reduce your energy usage, saving you money on your energy bills.
It’s also a good idea to switch to energy-efficient lighting, appliances and electronics.
Additional Tips for Reducing Winter Heating Costs
- Close the curtains during the night to reduce drafts and keep cold air out.
- Close off unused rooms and only heat those rooms you use most.
- Keep furniture and drapes away from heating vents.
- Adjust the temperature on your water heater to 120°F or lower.
- Take shorter showers and check for showerhead leaks.
Conclusion
By following these simple and effective tips for reducing winter heating costs, you can save money and keep your home warm all winter long. Midwest Homeownership can help you with more ideas or tips on how to make your home as energy-efficient as possible.