The following tips will save money and energy saving while staying comfortable during the cool fall and cold winter months. Many of these tips can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter.
If you haven’t already, conduct an energy assessment to determine where to save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.
How can I reduce my heating bill?
Lowering your set temperature is a great way to reduce your heating costs. But with so many of us home for the holidays due to COVID concerns. It may not always be a practical solution. Another simple way to reduce your energy costs year-round is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to have direct control over your comfort, and some models will even track your energy use throughout the day–allowing you to make micro-adjustments whenever you need.
If you aren’t going out of town and are still worried about the cost of heating your home and keeping your family comfortable, try some of these alternative ways to keep your home warmer, longer–with little to no additional energy use!
Decorate for Cold Weather
The first chill of the season is a great time to decorate for the holidays–but it’s also a great excuse to break out some cozy favorites to make your home look and feel warmer! Add some fluffy throw blankets to the couch and put your favorite flannel sheets on your bed for a cozy way to stay warm while relaxing. You can also invest in rugs and insulated curtains, which help to trap warm air inside your home and prevent cold feet in the mornings.
Tips For Energy-Saving Heating In Winter
Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun
- Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
- Be certain to plant deciduous trees on the south facing side of the home, especially in proximity to windows. They will let the light and warmth in the windows during the winter and will shade the windows in the summer.
Cover Drafty Windows
- Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
- Find out about other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.
Adjust the Temperature
- When you are home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable.
- When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. But make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets!
- If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
