5 Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Heating Bill Low in the Winter

As cold air creeps in, you may notice a steady rise in your energy expenses. But there are easy ways to save money and lower those heating bills. Simple tricks work—like using drapes and space heaters—but read on for other energy-saving tips that’ll help you keep the bills down while keeping the inside temperature up.

Improve Insulation

Make your HVAC system worth every penny and help boost its efficiency by installing the proper insulation solutions. Stop heat loss by properly filling holes in walls and entryways. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help your HVAC system stand the test of time and keep you warm all season. A clandestine source of escaping heat is your chimney. Consider using a chimney balloon to stop airflow up the chimney when it’s not in use. It also helps keep out unwanted pests and dirt.

Use Your Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your power bill. The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees at night to help increase your energy efficiency this winter. If it’s chillier than you’d like, bundle up at night and cut your heating bill dramatically.

Keep Up With Heating System Maintenance

Make sure to keep up with maintenance on your heating and cooling systems to keep them at their most efficient settings all year long. Issues such as blocked filters and outdated furnaces could be costly in the long run.

Reduce Water Heater Temperature

Eighteen percent of your home’s energy is used to heat water. A quick hack to lower energy bills is to reduce the energy you put into this process. Try reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit from the typical 140 degrees to instantly reduce spending.

Remember the Basics

While many of these strategies aren’t necessarily common sense, don’t forget the basic home heating tips. Try to cover drafty windows to reduce heat loss, and do your best to use south- and east-facing windows during the day to soak up natural sunlight and heat. Use space heaters in common spaces, as they are usually more cost-efficient than furnaces. These strategies are classic for a reason and will help you stay toasty all year round.