Just when you start seeing lower energy bills from finally being able to turn off the air conditioner your next bill spikes back up with the cost of turning on the heater for the winter season. If you feel like you can’t win, don’t worry. There are several things you can do to help tame that unruly heating bill this winter. Here are some tips for saving money on your next bill.
- You may have figured out by now how right Mom was all those years about many different topics. One thing she may have told you was to put on a sweater when you complained of being chilly in the house. That was some great advice. When you are feeling chilled, take action to warm yourself, not the whole house. Adding another layer of clothing instead of turning up the thermostat can save you a lot on your monthly bill.
- Turn down the thermostat when you go to work. If you can set a timer on your thermostat, drop the temperature about 5-10 degrees when you know no one will be in the house. Also, turn it down at night when you will be sleeping. Sleeping in a cooler room has actually been proven to give you a better night’s sleep anyway.
- Check for drafts around the house. Old windows, misaligned doors, and fireplaces all can be huge contributors to the coolness you might be feeling at home. You can invest in new windows or install winter weatherproofing. You can also rehang doors and add a draft blocker to the door jams. As for the fireplace, be sure that the flu is always closed when not in use and add a more secure cover to the hearth.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. Your home’s insulation will act as a winter coat for your home keeping heat inside. Also, using space heaters and fans can help keep heat circulating where you want it most.
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