Q&A: How Can I Stay Warm this Winter Without Breaking the Budget?
The temperatures are dropping and that can mean only one thing: Your heating costs are about to soar! If it feels like you need to choose between being toasty warm this winter and keeping your budget intact, this info is for you!
Read on for eight tips for keeping the heat on all winter without making your cash flow run dry.
1. Use a programmable thermostat
Set your thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away, and to slightly higher when you’re home. According to the US Department of Energy, reducing your thermostat by 7-10°F for eight hours a day can save up to 10% on heating costs each year.
2. Seal all leaks
Check all windows, doors and attic spaces in your home for drafts. You can do this by holding a candle near these areas to see if the flame flickers, which tells you there’s a draft nearby. Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers to seal all leaks you find. A rolled-up towel at the base of a drafty door can also work in a pinch.
If your budget allows, you can also upgrade to energy-efficient windows. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane models can help keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
3. Utilize zone heating
There’s no need to pay to heat areas of your home that don’t get much use. Shut the doors and vents in rooms you rarely use so the heat only works where it’s needed. You can also use space heaters in the rooms you’re occupying instead of heating your entire home.
4. Use insulated curtains
Heavy, thermal-backed curtains can block cold drafts from windows. Open them during the day to let sunlight in and close them at night to retain heat. You can also add rugs to hardwood or tile floors for additional warmth and insulation.
5. Reverse your ceiling fans
Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting. In the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air downward.
6. Beef up your insulation
A well-insulated home is key to keeping heating costs down. Check your attic, walls and floors for sufficient insulation. If insulation is lacking, you may want to add layers or replace the existing insulation, especially if you live in an older home. This upgrade may involve an upfront cost, but it pays off in long-term savings.
7. Maintain your heating system
Maintaining your furnace and heating devices is crucial for saving on heating costs.
First, clean or change air filters and heating devices as accumulated debris can keep the warm air from circulating. Move furniture and curtains away from heaters to enable air flow and prevent fire hazards.
You may also want to call a professional to inspect your furnace and either clean it or upgrade it. It’ll cost, but the expense will likely be well worth the savings in heating. An old and dirty furnace system can work at 60 to 70% efficiency; switching to a newer, high-efficiency system can work at 90 to 98%.
Finally, consider contacting your utility company for a free home checkup. Costs for service or upgrades can be offset by federal tax credits, and utility rebates are available for many energy-efficient upgrades.
8. Layer up
You can keep heating costs down by dressing in warm layers when it’s cold out. Get those cozy sweaters on and use flannel sheets and heavy blankets at night to keep your body heat inside.
Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing energy bills. Use these tips to keep your home comfortably heated without breaking the budget.