Simple Tips for Saving on Heating Costs

Winter is officially upon us, which means that as outside temperatures are going down, the costs for heating your home keep going up. While peaceful white snowfalls may be picturesque, your winter utility bills are not quite as pretty.

U.S. households on natural gas heat are expected to pay 25% more than last year. Homeowners who heat their homes with electricity are expected to see a 6.5% spike, and homeowners using heating oil or propane may see a jump as high as 54%!

While we can’t change the weather or the economy, here are a few practical ways to keep more heat inside your home and more money inside your wallet.

Following a few of these easy-to-implement tips and hacks for saving on heat costs can make a big difference. Put them to good use so you can sit back and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa during this cold winter, content that you are staying warm and saving money.

1. Clean or change air filters for heating devices. Debris on filters keeps warm air from circulating, which means your furnace will have to work harder to have the warm air flow through your house.

2. Lower your thermostat by 7-10 degrees when everyone is out for the day. Smart thermostats, such as Nest and Ecobee, can learn your schedule and automatically raise and lower the temperature for you.

3. Contact your utility company for a free home check-up. Also, federal tax credits and rebates from your utility company will allow you to replace your outdated equipment with green, energy efficient systems.

4. Check windows for leaks. Seal windows with caulking or spray-foam insulation or cover with plastic insulation sheets. Also, putting draft stoppers under doorways is a cost-effective way to keep heat inside rooms.

5. Open the shades during sunlight hours to let the sun naturally heat up your space. Close curtains at night to retain your heat and prevent cold night air from entering. Insulated curtains can help to better trap the heat than basic curtains would.

6. Use plug-in space heaters to warm up isolated areas instead of turning on entire heating zones if all the space is not in use. Close vents in rooms that are not being used to avoid unnecessary output.

7. Reduce your water heater temperature to 140 degrees. Many houses or buildings have water heaters set to 180-200 degrees. Reducing it to 140 degrees is safer for skin and easier on heating costs.

Following a few of these easy-to-implement tips and hacks for saving on heat costs can make a big difference. Put them to good use so you can sit back and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa during this cold winter, content that you are staying warm and saving money.