Winter heating costs can be a significant strain on your budget. But you can reduce these with some simple and cost-effective steps.
Leaky buildings waste energy and can pose health hazards, so sealing these leaks can be an excellent way to lower energy bills and save on heating costs. Ceiling fans may also help save energy.
Lowering winter heating costs doesn’t have to be tough—sealing leaks and utilizing ceiling fans can make a difference; for more tips and reliable services in Greenland, check out the offerings on this website.
Table of Contents
1. Turn the thermostat down
Half of a household’s energy expenses are attributed to heating and cooling; thus, even a small thermostat temperature drop can result in cost savings. While some might believe it takes more energy to heat a cold house up than maintain its constant temperature, this isn’t true.
According to studies, utilizing thermostat setbacks can result in up to 10% yearly energy cost savings because it only takes roughly one-third as much energy to heat a house after it has been lowered for eight hours as opposed to keeping it at ambient temperature day and night.
Switching down the thermostat by seven to ten degrees at night can save a significant amount on heating costs as body temperatures naturally decrease while sleeping. Utilizing a programmable thermostat may even further lower costs.
2. Wear warm clothes
Maintaining warmth this winter doesn’t mean breaking the bank; wearing appropriate apparel can make an immense difference to your comfort and the rate at which heat enters and exits your body.
Wear clothing crafted with natural fibers such as wool or cotton to insulate and regulate body temperature. Cold water washing also extends their lifespan and hang drying saves you money on drying costs.
3. Insulate your windows
Windows provide natural light and make homes appear larger, but they’re also a major source of heat loss – particularly older single-pane windows. Luckily, there are a variety of quick and affordable methods to insulate windows during winter to lower heating bills while staying warm.
Window insulation film is a popular solution, attached directly to the frame and functioning like gas-filling, energy-efficient double-glazed windows. Rope caulk is also an easy and cost-effective DIY option that fills large gaps and cracks around windows to block out cold drafts, and blackout curtains have been known to reduce heat loss by up to 17%.
4. Turn off the lights
Reducing the temperature at night can help you save money on energy and bills whether or not you use a controlled thermostat. When keeping an identical daily temperature all night long, your system has to work harder, increasing costs and increasing your electricity bill.
Remember to switch off lights when not in use and unplug appliances that continue consuming energy while sitting idle, such as your washing machine. Turning them off at their powerpoint could save ten percent or more of your electricity bill.
5. Turn down the water heater and heat used rooms
As winter approaches, most people start turning up the heater more often to stay warm. There are ways you can conserve energy without compromising comfort or safety by saving energy more effectively.
If you have localized heating, consider only heating the rooms you use frequently – don’t waste money heating guest bedrooms, laundry rooms or storage areas when these spaces don’t benefit your family!
One way to save energy easily is to invest in a tankless water heater that utilizes less electricity. If you don’t have one, turn the temperature down slightly. Showering or washing your hands in scalding hot water can contribute to dry skin or burns.
6. Clean your furnace
Regularly cleaning the furnace can enhance its efficiency, potentially lowering energy consumption by up to 40%, leading to savings in both heating expenses and fuel usage for your home.
Before cleaning your furnace, ensure both power and gas have been shut off and ensure no furniture or curtains are blocking heat registers or vents.
Remove the blower door and use a vacuum hose to carefully extract any dust or debris that has built up inside your furnace, using water to test whether its condensate line has become blocked.
Your furnace’s flame sensor can become coated in residue, preventing it from lighting properly. Use a fine emery cloth to clean off its surface carefully.
7. Change your furnace filter
By changing the filter at least every three months, you will ensure your heating system operates more efficiently and saves energy. Be especially vigilant during winter or other peak usage periods to ensure it remains unclogged and functions optimally.
Avoid heating unoccupied rooms during winter and direct all heat towards those areas of your home you frequent most often. Furthermore, set low ceiling fans with clockwise rotating blades this season to help circulate warm air throughout your home.
Other easy ways to conserve energy include lowering your water heater’s temperature, taking shorter showers, and investing in low-flow shower heads. All these little adjustments will make a significant, impactful difference on your energy bill this winter!
