When the weather becomes cold and blustery, most people will be spending a lot more time indoors. Staying warm becomes a top priority. If you aren’t careful, your household heating costs can rise substantially. Here’s how to save on your energy bill during the winter.
Keep Your Home Properly Insulated
A poorly insulated home can cause your energy bill to skyrocket. This is why weatherproofing is so essential. Before Old Man Winter comes to town, be sure to seal any leaks properly. The goal is to keep warm air in and chilly air out. Many cracks can be effectively closed up using an inexpensive caulk gun.
Installing transparent plastic film over your windows can further enhance the home’s energy efficiency. You may also need to add more insulation to the attic. Doing so can reduce your monthly heating costs by more than 20 percent.
Turn Down the Temperature
To enhance comfort on cold days, many homeowners opt to turn up the temperature. Unfortunately, they typically end up encountering a much steeper energy bill. Dialing down the thermostat by a few degrees can save you a lot of money. Your family can stay warm by simply dressing for the weather. While lounging around at home, don’t hesitate to nestle up in a 
thermal blanket.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make. You’ll be able to schedule your HVAC system to run less when no one is at home. It’ll automatically kick back on to make things comfortable before everyone returns. This upgrade will eventually pay for itself in savings. By just installing a smart thermostat, some people can cut their heating costs by 25 percent.
Routinely Change the Furnace Filter
If you own a furnace, develop a habit of changing its filter regularly. To no surprise, a dirty filter can cause a furnace to work much harder than it should. Basic replacement filters are expensive, so you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of extra money.
Take Advantage of Solar Heating
On sunny days, you can take advantage of solar heating. It’s a free heating source that decreases your furnace’s workload. As you open your curtains and blinds, the sun will gradually warm things up. Don’t be surprised to notice a lower energy bill.
Switch Ceiling Fans to Rotate Clockwise
Ceiling fans don’t just enhance your home’s interior design. They can also help reduce your winter energy bill. During the cold season, run your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction. This helps push heat downward, thus creating a more relaxing atmosphere. The best part is that ceiling fans don’t consume a great deal of electricity.
Tune Up Your Furnace
A well-maintained furnace naturally performs more efficiently. Be sure to schedule an annual tune-up. The service technicians will check for potential problems, such as intake blockages and worn air ducts.