Although it’s a foreign concept in warmer climates, a good chunk of the country needs to concern itself with inflated utility bills during the winter months. The good news? There are some simple steps you can take to make your home’s gas or electric heat usage more efficient. Such as:
1. Turn Down Your Water Heater.
Your showers can be warm, but they shouldn’t be scalding. Manually reducing your water heater’s temperature to 120°F (down from the typical 140) can save you up to 11 percent in water heating costs; cutting showers in half can save up to 33 percent, according to the California Energy Commission.
2. Replace Your Furnace Filters.
Changing furnace filters isn’t just about clean air: Clogged material can force your unit to work harder, raising energy costs. Replace the filter and opt for a furnace inspection by a professional to make sure it’s operating at optimal efficiency.
3. Maintain Your Doors And Windows.
Peeling weather-stripping and ill-fitting doors and windows can let in drafts, allowing your home’s heat to drift outdoors. Replace weatherstripping as needed and adjust thresholds so no cold air is getting in through gaps. You can also use plastic window kits to help insulate from leaks.
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Get a Quote Learn More4. Turn Down Your Thermostat.
You’d be surprised at how comfortable you can be with your furnace set at 68 degrees as opposed 70 or 71. While it might mean opting for long sleeves over a t-shirt, you’ll save roughly 5 percent on room heating costs.
5. Close Unused Vents.
Got a guest room you rarely use? Close the vent coming from the furnace. Rooms that don’t need to be heated can be sealed off so the heat gets redirected to occupied parts of the home.
6. Turn On Your Ceiling Fan.
They’re not just there to keep you cool in the summer. Keeping a fan running clockwise will push the warm air that’s collected near the ceiling back into the room.
7. Check Your Attic Insulation.
Attics should have a minimum of 11 inches of fiberglass insulation. Without it, you’re going to lose heat through the upper level of the home. If you haven’t put down insulation, be sure to seal up any cracks in the attic floor first.
8. Turn Your Bathroom Fan Off.
After taking a hot shower, don’t be so quick to reach for the exhaust fan switch. The humid air from the steam will likely migrate to neighboring areas, warming the air in the process.
9. Open—Then Close—The Drapes.
Sunlight is a free way to warm up a room, providing you’ve opened drapes and blinds to let it do its thing. When the sun sets, close the drapes to help retain the heat collected during the day.
10. Consider An Electric Blanket.
With low energy use, electric blankets can allow you to dial down your thermostat even more during the evening.
11. Light A Candle.
Lighting a candle will result in a tiny smoke trail: if you see it being tugged in one direction of the room near doors or windows, you likely have an air leak that can be treated with caulk or another sealant. Be sure to blow out your candle before you exit the room, however—it’s never a good idea to leave an open flame unattended.
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More Winter Warmth Hacks In 15 Minutes Or Less
1. Stove Top Humidifier
Supplies
Pot
Water
Lemon
Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Fill a pot with water and set on the stove.
- Add some lemon slices and cinnamon sticks to the pot, and turn to a boil.
- Enjoy the added humidity and a lovely smell!
2. Thick Rugs
Supplies
Large thick rugs
Instructions
- Place thick rugs on wooden floors to keep your feet warmer.
- Enjoy!
3. Wool Inserts For Boots
Supplies
Wool felt
Scissors
Boots or shoes
Chalk
Instructions
- Take the insoles out of your shoes and use some white chalk or eyeliner to outline the pattern onto your wool felt.
- Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut out the inserts.
- Slide the inserts inside your shoes and enjoy!
4. Warming Tea
Supplies
Teas that include ingredients like cinnamon, peppermint, ginger, clove, or cardamom
Instructions
- Brew your favorite spiced teas with ingredients like cinnamon, peppermint, ginger, clove, or cardamom.
- These ingredients provide warmth and are perfect for a cold winter day. Brew and enjoy!
5. Thick Curtains
Supplies
Heavy window curtains
Instructions
- Put heavy window curtains up on windows to keep the cold air from entering your home.
- Enjoy!
6. DIY Hand Warmers
Supplies
1 sandwich baggie
1 snack-sized baggie
1/2 cup Water
1 cup of ice-melt pellets (calcium carbonate)
Instructions
- In a sandwich-sized baggie, add 1 cup of pellets.
- Next, add half a cup of water to a snack-sized baggie and seal.
- Put the water baggie in the larger one with pellets and seal.
- To use, squeeze to break the inner water baggie and activate the pellets.
- Enjoy!