It’s winter, and most of us now opt to turn up the thermostat to stay warm. Yet according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, heating is responsible for a third of our homes’ energy costs and nobody loves higher utility bills this time of year. So to save money during the winter months, make sure that you’re staying warm in more ways than just using your furnace!
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USE THE PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT THAT MATCHES YOUR NEEDS
Being energy-conscious is a great way to save money. Your thermostat can help– it’s easy to set programmable settings that control the temperature throughout the day. For example, you might want the house to be cooler while you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
A quick way to heat up a room is to use space heaters or a fireplace.
You don’t have to heat your entire home to your ideal temperature if you spend most of your time in one room. Instead, use a space heater or fireplace in that room and turn it off when you leave. Make sure you never leave it on overnight.
STOP THE DRAFTS FROM THE WINDOW
To make sure your windows are closed properly, put caulk around any edges that have a gap. You can also use plastic wrap to insulate the glass even more and keep heat in. Finally, purchase thermal insulation curtains that won’t let cold air in.
Without a draft excluder, doors can send cold drafts all around your house, even in rooms that aren’t close to the door. Install a draft excluder to get rid of those pesky drafts!
Replace your weather stripping twice a year and close doors to unused rooms. Put draft guards at the base of all exterior doors.
Make sure to wear specific clothing for the season. Put on a jacket if it’s cold outside, or a T-shirt if it’s hot.
Pack for hot weather with layers and dress in long sleeves to protect your extremities. Protect your head, ears, neck, hands, and feet–these are the places that get cold very quickly.
We recommend putting a rug on your hardwood and tile floors to prevent wear and tear.
One way that carpets offer better insulation than hardwood is with their ability to trap and hold in heat. This can result in a warm, welcoming and cozy feeling for the floor.
The best way to insulate your attic, prevent ceiling leaks and keep pests away is with foam sealant or spray insulation.
The heat from your home circulates through your attic. Adding insulation can help trap that heat inside, making your home more comfortable to live in.
YOU MUST PREPARE YOUR MEALS IN A KITCHEN BUT NOT IN MICROWAVE
There are some things you’re going to do, like eat food. Why not prepare that food in a way that will help heat up your house too? Baking is an easy and inexpensive way to warm your home, but make sure you open the oven door after it’s done cooking. That way, you’ll be using the extra heat and won’t get carbon monoxide poisoning.
EXERCISE
When you move, your body produces heat. Exercise also helps your blood circulate better, which makes your fingers and toes warmer! A short session of vigorous exercise can warm your body up for a long period of time Also, having a healthy body can help keep you warm in the winter.
PREPARE FOR BED
One of the best ways to stay warm and comfortable at night is by preparing your routine in advance. Wear warm clothes and socks. Use bamboo comforters, as they will regulate your body temperature all night. Keep a robe and slippers for when you wake up near your bed.
Don’t waste this chilly season worrying about your ever-increasing utility bills. Here are some ways to lower your heating costs this winter. Put your money and time into the people who are important in your life–instead of spending it on things that don’t matter. We at Momfilter wish you a cheap, safe and happy winter!