A high heating bill can have a shocking impact on your bottom line. With the cold weather here to stay, you may have noticed a sharp jump in your heating or electric bill. This winter, save yourself the stress of dealing with a high energy bill by being proactive and taking a few helpful steps to keep your costs down.
Use Winter Curtains
Your curtains can play a supporting role in keeping your house insulated against winter’s chill. In fact, AARP reports insulated curtains or even window quilts, can reduce an estimated 25 percent of an older home’s heating costs associated with window heat loss. With curtains being an inexpensive addition to your home, there’s no doubt that this investment will pay dividends right away. Even regular curtains with a heavy fabric can help. For maximum effectiveness, Energy.gov recommends hanging curtains as close to windows as possible and letting them fall to the floor.
Take Advantage of Your Fan
A ceiling fan may seem like a warm-weather tool, but it can actually help keep your home feeling warmer during the cold seasons. Most models allow you to flip a switch that spins the blades in a different direction. For winter, ensure your fan is spinning clockwise to push warm air that rises to the ceiling back down to the usable space in the room. This keeps your household feeling warmer without increasing the temperature.
Close Off Extra Rooms
Extra rooms like home offices, guest rooms, and even playrooms that may not be used every day can be closed off to keep the rest of the home warmer without using as much energy. Consider closing doors and vents in rooms that are not in use to concentrate heat in the areas you frequent the most.
Utilize a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat or a programmable option are excellent tools when it comes to lowering your energy bill. Throughout the winter months, a smart thermostat can help by learning your habits and optimizing heating schedules. Smart thermostats can detect when you are in the home and adjust the temperature accordingly. Likewise, a programmable thermostat can be an excellent option to manually adjust your heating schedule. Both allow you to keep the home warm and cozy while you are there, and opt for a more eco-friendly temperature when you are away.
