When the time comes to prepare for the winter months, most people tend to think about storing their outdoor supplies and breaking out the snow shovels. But this isn’t all you need to do to secure your house from the cold. It’s also important that you conserve as much energy as possible when you’re heating your home. Learn how to save money on heat this winter, and make the most of the season.
Lower Your Thermostat
While it can be tempting to crank the heat up when you get a chill, doing so can result in you using more energy than you need to. In fact, it’s recommended that you maintain a temperature of 68 degrees during the day and lower it to 55 at night. This will keep the rooms comfortable while you’re up and about and prevent you from being too warm when you’re in bed.
Dress in layers
Lowering your home’s temperature might make it cooler than you’d like, but remember that you can always lessen the chill by wearing multiple layers of clothing. You can readily adjust your attire to stay comfortable—plus, you’ll have an excuse to curl up with a plush blanket. When you’re dressing in layers, be sure to double up on socks and other footwear to conserve your body heat.
Replace Old Windows
Old and leaky windows are one of the main causes of high heating bills at the end of each month. A broken window seal doesn’t just allow heat to escape your home; it’s also responsible for letting in cold, dry air. Be on the lookout for any signs that you need to replace your windows, and take preventative measures to conserve your heat before the winter storms hit.
Clear Vents and Filters
If dust or debris is blocking your heating vents and air filters, it can prevent heat from circulating effectively though your home. As such, it’s crucial that you take the time to clear any blocked vents and replace your dirty air filters. This way, heat can flow freely through them, allowing your home to heat up more easily.
Use Space Heaters
Space heaters are a great way to limit how much heat you’re using by giving you control over where you need the heat the most. For instance, many homeowners choose to turn down their heat at night, but they also use space heaters in their bedrooms to maintain their comfort. This method allows you to keep certain rooms warm without wasting energy on heating the entire house.
Turn on Your Ceiling Fans
Warm air is known to be lighter than cool air, and as a result, it often rises to the ceiling. For this reason, your home might feel colder than the thermostat says it is. To better mix the warm and cold air and make your home more comfortable, be sure to circulate the heat with ceiling fans. This will keep the heat moving throughout your home and allow it to reach places it wouldn’t otherwise.
