The winter months mean more time spent indoors with family and friends. However, they also mean high heating bills to compensate for the cold weather. Many homeowners pay more than they need to for home heating without even realizing it. Below, we’re going to discuss the top ten ways you can reduce your heating costs this winter while keeping your home warmer and more comfortable.
Paying Too Much on Heating Bills Is Common
Many homeowners end up overpaying for heating because they are unaware that there are good habits and practices that can help keep their homes warm. Heated air naturally and unavoidably escapes to the outside, but you can reduce how hard your heating system needs to work by optimizing your home to retain heat.
Ways To Save Money on Your Heating Bill
Below, we’re going to review the best ways to prevent heat from escaping your house during the winter. Following these tips can bring down your energy costs in the winter and keep you and your family more comfortable through the colder months.
1 – Radiators
First, make sure that your radiator and baseboards remain unblocked. Couches and other furniture placed in front of these heat sources can stop the heat from warming your living space evenly and cause your heating system to continue firing.
2 – Reflectors
Next, install heat reflectors between your radiators and the walls behind them. Radiator reflectors will move hot air away from your wall, where it will be absorbed and wasted.
3 – Humidifiers
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and increase the relative humidity. Moist air holds heat more readily, so your home will feel warmer without having to turn up the heat as high. Consider installing a humidifier like these to help keep your home feeling as warm and cozy as possible.
4 – Curtains
Make sure to use window coverings like curtains and drapes to your advantage. Open them during the day to let warming sunlight in, and close them at night to help prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
5 – Weatherstripping
One of the most common ways to lose heat to the outside is through drafty windows and doors. Install weatherstripping around wall openings to help stop cold drafts from getting inside.
6 – Storm Windows
Check your storm windows for air leaks or consider installing double-pane storm windows if you don’t already have them. Storm windows use two panes of glass to protect from heat transfer and are more energy-efficient.
7 – Window Locks
Your windows can leak cold air into your living space even if they use double panes for protection. Window locks are often the culprit of drafts, even on newer windows, so check to make sure your windows lock firmly and help create a good seal.
8 – Doors
Use the doors inside your home to help limit the amount of space you need to heat. Merely closing a door to an unused room will limit heat exchange to that area. Your heating system will have less space to heat and won’t need to work as hard to keep up the overall temperature.
9 – Fireplace Dampers
Keeping the damper on your fireplace closed during use is a severe health and safety risk. However, keeping it closed when it’s not in use will help reduce significant heat loss through your chimney. Always close the damper when you’re done using your fireplace.
10 – Warm Clothing
Lastly, wear clothing that will help keep you warm and limit how high you need to set your thermostat to feel comfortable. Pay particular attention to covering your feet because they tend to lose heat quickly, and cold feet can make your entire body feel cold.
Ready to save money on your heating bill with a top-of-the-line humidifier? Speak with one of our home heating experts today.
