Every winter brings with it inflated utility bills as you pay to keep your home heated. Explore these tips for saving on your winter energy bill to save every penny you can while staying warm.
Close Unused Vents
The easiest way to run up your bill is to waste energy heating empty rooms. If you have storage rooms, guest rooms, or other spaces in your home that you don’t use daily, stop valuable hot air from going into them by keeping their vents closed. That way, you’ll save money by only heating the rooms you use.
Seal Air Leaks
If your windows and doors have cracks, cold air will come in and hot air will go out. Before winter hits, check your seals to ensure they’re still in good condition. You can check a door’s seal by placing a piece of paper between the seal and the frame; and if the page falls, you need to replace the insulator.
Hang Insulated Curtains
During the day, you can heat your home with the sun. But at night, you’ll want to trap that hot air inside. Thin windows won’t insulate your home correctly, so consider investing in insulted curtains to trap the warm air. They work great at night, and you can even get blackout ones to help you sleep in longer.
Install a Smart Thermostat
One of the key things homeowners should know about HVAC systems is that a typical thermostat will heat rooms a few degrees above the desired temperature. Then, it waits for the temperature to dip below the desired degree, only to raise it again. This process is very inefficient, and it results in constant temperature fluctuations. However, smart thermostats work to maintain constant temperatures, and you can program them to schedule heating and cooling depending on when you’re home. Many smart thermostats even pair with smart devices so that you can adjust your house’s temperature remotely.
Use Blankets
Sometimes the best way to save money on the utility bill is to just not use the HVAC system at all. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save 10% on your energy bill by lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours a day. So when you’re asleep or watching TV, turn down your heat and get under a comfy blanket.
Hopefully, with these tips for saving on your winter energy bill, you can cut unnecessary costs while maintaining your home’s comfort during the cold season.
