Here’s How to Save Money on Your Home Heating Costs This Winter When the Temperatures Drop

Following these simple tips can help you keep your power bill from going way up when the outside temps go way down

Your home heating bill will climb as the mercury falls, but you do not have to let utility costs drain your budget. A few strategic adjustments and small investments can add up to big savings all winter long. Try these measures to improve efficiency and lower your heating expenses.

1. Lower your thermostat setting by a few degrees.

Each degree you turn down can save up to three percent on heating costs. Wear warm layers indoors and set the thermostat back a couple degrees when you leave for the day. You will barely notice the change but you will see it on your bill.

2. Install a programmable or smart thermostat.

Program it to reduce heat overnight and while you are at work. Smart models learn your schedule and can adjust automatically. Controlling heat from your phone prevents wasted energy when you forget to change settings before you leave.

3. Service your heating system and replace filters regularly.

Annual professional tune ups keep your furnace running at peak efficiency. Clean or replace filters every one to three months. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder and uses more fuel or electricity.

4. Seal air leaks around doors and windows.

Inspect weatherstripping and replace cracks around frames. Apply caulk around window trim and fill gaps around plumbing and wiring penetrations. Sealing leaks stops warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

5. Insulate your attic and exterior walls.

Heat rises into the attic. Adding insulation in your attic cavity stops heat loss. If walls are under insulated, consider blown in insulation. Improving your home’s thermal barrier is one of the most cost effective measures.

6. Wrap exposed hot water heater pipes and water supply lines.

Insulating these pipes reduces standby heat loss. Less heat escapes before hot water reaches your taps, so your water heater cycles less often and uses less energy.

7. Use ceiling fans to distribute warm air downward.

Set fans to run clockwise at low speed. They gently push warm ceiling air down into the living space. You will feel warmer without raising the thermostat.

8. Close off and seal unused rooms and vents with draft stoppers.

Block heat loss from rooms you do not use by keeping doors closed and covering air vents. Use magnetic vent covers or rigid foam cut to size to reduce wasted airflow.

9. Hang insulated curtains and keep them closed at night.

Heavy or thermal-lined drapes trap heat inside. During the day open them to admit sunlight and natural warmth.

10. Maintain your chimney and close the flue when not using the fireplace.

A closed damper stops warm indoor air from escaping up the chimney. Have the chimney swept and inspect the damper to ensure it seals tightly.

11. Consider a zone heating approach for large homes.

Use space heaters in the rooms you occupy most. Modern infrared or oil filled heaters can heat a small area efficiently and let you lower the central thermostat.

12. Shop for a more efficient heating system at the right time.

Off season sales in late spring and early summer can yield discounted furnaces or heat pumps. A higher efficiency system can pay for itself over several winters through energy savings.

Implement several of these strategies now and your winter heating bill will be far more manageable. A little effort today delivers comfort and savings all season long.