Ways to Save Money on Heating during the Cold Season

thermostat-68Heating your home in the winter will inevitably cause your energy bills to spike. There’s just no getting around the fact that you’ll have to use extra electricity, natural gas, propane, or some other kind of fuel to stave off the cold until the spring thaw comes.

But the good news is there are plenty of specific steps you can take to help heat your home more efficiently and keep your utility bill at a somewhat reasonable level. Here are a handful of the most effective ways to save money on heating during the cold season:

  • Set the thermostat between 65-68 degrees when you’re home and consider turning it off completely when you go to work
  • When possible, only heat rooms that are occupied. Supplemental heat sources such as electric space heaters and heated sofa covers are great for this purpose.
  • Lower the max temperature setting on your water heater to 115-120 degrees to save up to 11 percent on water heating costs
  • Use heated blankets for extra warmth at night without having to run the furnace
  • Open the curtains and shades on south-facing windows during the daytime to let in the sun’s natural heat
  • Insulate your hot water heater and water heater pipes to slow cooling after use
  • Inspect, clean, or replace furnace filters once every 4-6 weeks to ensure optimum performance
  • Inspect the insulation in your attic and replace if necessary
  • Apply caulk or weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out
  • Since fireplaces are extremely inefficient at heating homes, use yours sparingly and remember to close the damper afterwards

These home heating strategies are easy to implement and should lead to immediate savings on your winter utility bills compared to previous years. Give them a try today and remember to visit CozyWinters.com for the heated blankets, clothing, and furniture covers you need to stay warm during the cold season.