It’s cold. Brrrrr…
Receiving those hefty electric or gas bills during the winter months can be quite overwhelming, can’t it? For those of us living in places like Northern Virginia, where January and February bring a real chill, it’s a challenge many of us face. Unlike our friends in Florida or Southern California who enjoy milder winters, we often find ourselves searching for ways to ease the financial burden of heating our homes. It’s a common struggle that unites many Americans as we strive to stay warm without breaking the bank.
Here are a few tips to reduce the money you spend on heat:
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower when you’re awake and at home, and lower it by 7-10°F when you’re asleep or away. If you find that 68°F isn’t quite warm enough, consider gradually increasing the temperature. However, avoid starting at 73, 74, or 75°F right away because there’s a good chance you’ll feel perfectly comfortable at just 68°F. This approach not only ensures your comfort but also helps conserve energy and reduce unnecessary heating costs.
Secondly, consider the benefits of adjusting your thermostat when you’re away at work, even if you have pets. While it’s natural to worry about their comfort, most pets can comfortably manage for 8-12 hours in a home that’s around 50 degrees. After all, stray cats thrive outdoors even in freezing temperatures so a 50-degree home shouldn’t impact a healthy pet (Nevertheless, consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure). By turning your thermostat down or off during the day, you might face a brief wait of about 10 to 30 minutes for your home to reheat upon return. However, this small inconvenience is outweighed by the significant savings on energy costs you’ll enjoy.
Using a programmable or smart thermostat can automate these temperature changes and save you up to 10% on your heating costs.
2. Improve Insulation and Seal Air Leaks
Many people might be surprised to learn just how effective proper insulation can be in keeping rooms warm. By weatherstripping doors and windows, you can prevent drafts that let cold air in. Caulking around window and door frames further seals out the chill. Adding insulation to your attic is a smart move that could reduce your monthly energy bill by 20-30%. Plus, using window insulation film creates an additional barrier against heat loss. These simple steps not only enhance comfort but also lead to significant savings on energy costs—making them well worth the effort!
3. Utilize Natural Heat Sources
Take advantage of free heat from the sun. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight warm your home. Close curtains at night to reduce heat loss through windows.
4. Maintain Your Heating System
Regular maintenance ensures your heating system operates efficiently and I’d bet most Americans don’t do this. Most of us tend to wait until our heating systems break before getting them serviced. And some, like myself, routinely fail to change our air filters every 90 days. Change your air filters every three months and have your heating system inspected annually by a professional.
5. Use Supplemental Heating Wisely
This is an area I’ve truly mastered. Space heaters, even the small and affordable ones, can be incredibly effective and save you money on your energy bill—if used wisely. They’re perfect for heating small rooms or areas where you spend most of your time. However, it’s important to note that using multiple space heaters across different rooms may not be as cost-efficient as relying on your central heating system.
If you find yourself single and spending much of your time in one room—perhaps a bedroom that doubles as your relaxation and office space—know that you’re not alone. It’s perfectly okay to turn off the main heat and use a space heater for that room, as long as you’re comfortable with having a cooler kitchen and living room. Remember, it’s important to create an environment where you feel cozy and at ease, even if it means making small adjustments like this.
What bout fireplaces?
Fireplaces might not seem like the most cost-effective option for reducing energy bills, as a significant 80-90% of the heat can escape through the chimney. However, when used strategically, they can actually help decrease your reliance on your furnace and potentially lower heating costs. By installing grates made of C-shaped metal tubes in your fireplace, you can efficiently circulate warm air back into the room. This simple adjustment could make a noticeable difference in managing your energy expenses while still enjoying the cozy ambiance of a fireplace.
6. Adjust Your Water Heater
Keeping your water heater set at 120 degrees is a smart choice you won’t regret. Not only does it significantly reduce the risk of scalding, but it also offers financial benefits. By lowering the hot water temperature by just 10 degrees, you can save an impressive 3 to 5 percent on your water heating bill. It’s a simple adjustment that ensures safety and delivers noticeable savings.
7. Dress Warmly and Use Blankets
Forget about bare feet and walking around in your undies. Wear warm clothing indoors and use extra blankets to stay comfortable at lower temperatures. This allows you to keep your thermostat set lower without sacrificing comfort.
8. Optimize Air Flow
Keep in mind that heat naturally rises. While it might seem counterintuitive, ceiling fans can actually help distribute warmth throughout a room. By setting your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise, you effectively push the warm air down from the ceiling, ensuring a more comfortable and evenly heated space. Give it a try and feel the difference!
Also, keep areas in front of heating vents clear of furniture and other objects to ensure proper air circulation.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your heating costs while maintaining a comfortable home environment throughout the winter months.