Even though energy and heating costs increase during the cold winter months there are ways to cut costs. These costs may not seem like much when looking at a monthly bill however every little amount adds up over the months. For some reason many people have the idea that saving money on heating during winter actually ends up costing more money. How is this possible?
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Well people seem to think that they have to go and do all kinds of home improvements and purchase new gadgets to lower the heating costs. While this is true, however these purchases will add up in savings over time. Alternatively, there are other options to consider which won't take more that a few dollars and in turn will save you money.
It may be beneficial to speak to all family members prior to putting a plan in place to ensure that everyone understands and are able to follow through.
Use the following tips to help develop a plan of action for your household.
1. Lower the thermostats
Turn the heat down just slightly at night and when no one is at home.
2. Add plastic to unused windows and doors
Window Insulator kits are relatively inexpensive to purchase and in the long run will be worth the money saved. Windows and doors that let in oven the tiniest draft will add up in dollars overtime and is a huge waste of heat.
3. Dress warmer
Winter is not the time to be lounging around in shorts and tank tops. It is winter for a reason. Wear sweatshirts, sweatpants, flannel pajamas, and slippers for comfort. Add a sweater over regular clothes.
4. Curtains and blinds
During the day open them to let the suns rays in and during the night close them to help provide extra protection from any drafts that may be coming from windows.
5. Attach a sweep to the bottom of any interior doors leading out to a garage
As these doors usually don't have the same protection as doors that lead to outside the home.
6. Weather stripping
Look for old, cracked, and gaps. Replace with new weather stripping to improve the seal to keep the drafts out.
7. Check the furniture
Move any furniture positioned in front of heaters.
8. Leave the oven door open after usage
After baking some biscuits or making dinner in the oven, leave the door open a little. So much heat still remains after shutting the oven off. Letting the heat escape puts it to good use by warming up the kitchen and surrounding rooms.
9. Leave the inside doors open
Leaving doors open can also increase heat. For instance after finishing a shower leave the bathroom door open to allow the heat to move outside. Also when cooking or baking leaving the kitchen door open will also allow the escape of heat.
10. Reverse the ceiling fans
This will help circulate rising heat down to where you need it more. On most fans there is a small switch on the fan that will change the direction of its spinning. If there is not then you may need to remove a few screws which you will be able to easily see. Be sure that your fan has been turned off prior to making the switch.
What tips do you have to save money during the winter?
4 Comments
Great tips! I especially like the one about the ceiling fan, which can be so easily overlooked. Thanks for stopping by @DearCreatives feel free to drop by and join in the weekly link parties with your posts, recipes and crafts. Have a great week! Theresa
ReplyDeleteI used to add the sweep under the door in Chicago because the winters are so brutal. Didn't think to do it in Dallas. Thanks for the reminder that every dollar counts!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! When I was a poor college student, my roommates and I would put a rolled up towel in the crack below the door to our apartment every night before going to bed because we knew there was a draft. Too bad we didn't know about installing a sweep.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the Retro Re-Pin Party!