7 Ways You Can Save on Heating Costs This Season

Whether you admit it or not, your energy bills can be a depressing sight to look at. This is why you need to do your best to cut down on costs to save money. With the cold season fast approaching, you need to worry less about how much your heating costs will be. For this, we have gathered some tips so you can do your part in lowering your bill.

Tip #1: Turn Down the Heat

Did you know that if you turn down your thermostat during the winter months, you'll be able to save money? It's true! The Department of Energy has even supplemented this theory by explaining how this goes. According to the DOE, each degree lowered on your thermostat means you get to save 1 percent on your energy bill.

You have to be careful with doing this, however, since this also means you need to wear extra clothes in order to keep yourself warm. A good option is to use a space heater in areas wherein your family gathers. You can also opt for a fireplace or a fireplace insert so you can get alternative heating. But if you're looking for a quick way to warm a room, you can opt for an electric heater.  

Tip #2: Use an Electric Heater

When it comes to energy efficiency, baseboard, fan-forced air, and oil-filled electric heaters roughly produce the same results. But if you're looking for comfort, oil-filled units are considered as the most silent option. Then again, they are also larger and heavier.

If you opt for any of these alternatives to heating your room, you have to remember to turn down the heat enough so you can offset the cost of electricity utilized by the space heater.

Tip #3: Opt for a Towel Warmer

If you have already turned down your thermostat and you're still not getting warmed up, you can invest in a towel warmer. Although this won't be able to help you save energy, it can keep you warm when you feel cold due to your thermostat.

There are several freestanding units and wall-mounted units for towel warmers that you can invest in. The good thing about using this is that it can heat up your towel to use after you take a bath in the cold weather.

Tip #4: Block Drafts with Quilted Curtains

The next time you buy curtains, make sure to look for quilted ones. This is a great way you can turn up the heat in your home as they can block drafts from your windows.

Quilted curtains come in a number of colors, patterns, and sizes so you'll be sure to find one that best fits your interior. Apart from making your home look good, these curtains can increase your comfort at home without adding to your energy bill.

Tip #5: Get Rid of Gaps with Foam Sealant

You need to check your windows and doors for any gaps. These can bring in cold temperature into your home no matter how much heating you've already invested in. One way you can get rid of these gaps is to use foam sealant.

When you use a foam sealant, make sure to look for one that's intended for use on windows and doors. These can be difficult to clean before they harden so the best advice is to let the foam harden first before you trim the excess with a knife.

Tip #6: Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

Another way you can save money on energy bills this winter is by flipping the toggle switch on your ceiling fan's motor housing. In doing so, you can create a gentle updraft with a low speed in your ceiling fan operating a clockwise direction. The updraft will force warm air near your ceiling to go down to the occupied space.

Tip #7: Heat Some Rocks

If you have some rocks outside your home, you can heat them up to help you stay warm during the winter. Make sure you look for clean and smooth rocks to use for this. You can warm these rocks in a pan of water in the oven or on your stove. You don't need to get the rocks really hot, just warm enough.

When you're handling warm rocks, make sure to use oven mitts. You can place the warm rocks inside a sock or a cloth bag to keep it near you when you need to keep warm. It won't cost you anything but it's a really effective way to stay warm during winter.

These are just a few of the things you can do to save on heating costs this winter season. By following these tips, you'll be able to stay warm and save money while you're at it!

 

Written by APM Construction Services, a construction and home maintenance company that is the best choice for heating and cooling in Columbia, MO.