Save Money on Heating Bills Without Freezing This Winter

No matter what kind of energy you use to keep your house nice and toasty, there are plenty of easy ways to make sure you don’t pay more for your heating bills than you can afford. From quick, cheap ways to warm up your home to cost-effective solutions for the long term, we’re here to make your winter a financially friendly one.

Cheap upgrades

Obviously the best kind of ways to save money on utilities are the cheap ways. When it comes to warming your home, there are plenty of tips you can implement immediately. With a little ingenuity you can create a cozy environment for your family.

The Spruce suggests some simple fixes like swapping out thinner sheets for heavier or flannel sheets, or simply wearing more clothes in your home (think fluffy robes and sweaters).

Other low-cost ideas include:

• Open drapes or shades during the day to let in extra warming sunlight.
• Minimize your use of kitchen and bathroom fans to reduce heat loss.
• Set your ceiling fans in reverse to help circulate warm air. Remember, warm air rises.
• Make sure all heat vents are clear of obstructions.
• If you live in a deregulated state, try negotiating costs with your energy providers or shopping around for new ones.
• Consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit to find potential energy savings.

Seal those windows

Weather stripping, also known as window sealing, can be a painstaking and frustrating process, but it can be a vital piece of the puzzle to keep the warm air in and your bill down. Windows, even top-of-the-line models, can leak and allow your warm air to escape outside. So if you want to keep your dollars and your heat with you, wrap those leaky glass panes.

Ali Wenzke, author of “The Art of Happy Moving,” and someone who has done her fair share of acclimating to various climates, told OppLoans that insulating your windows is key:

“For under $10, you can make a huge impact on cutting down your winter heating bills by using a window insulation kit. If done properly, you won’t even notice the plastic wrap on your windows. If you’re not crazy about the look, then compromise and only insulate windows that you see less often or that are usually covered by window treatments.”

Appropriately adjust your temperatures

Energy experts at Action AC recommend adjusting your thermostat to make the most of your home’s energy efficiency any time of the year. How you do that is obviously entirely dependent on the season, but it’s important to build a relationship with your home’s temperature settings. Check out their great infographic on thermostat settings here.

“Energy Star says you should set different temperatures, depending on the season or the purpose, like plant maintenance or reducing heating and cooling costs,” they wrote.

You can even use an energy cost calculator to see what a few degrees can do for your home based on your energy source, heating source age, home type, and local weather.

Upgrade your thermostat

While you’re adjusting your thermostat settings, why not look into an upgrade? Buying a new thermostat is significantly cheaper than buying a new heating system, and a smart thermostat like Nest could save you a lot on heating costs in the long run.

If you are looking to shop around before deciding on a thermostat system, other brands have options available that may be better for your budget.

Dress for the season

Instead of dialing up the heat to unnecessary levels, financial blogger Stacy Caprio suggests bundling up for the weather.

“One way to save energy during the cold winter months is to invest in a few warm, cozy, winter sweaters and scarves to wear indoors ... while committing to keeping your home a little cooler than you’re used to during this time,” Caprio says. “No need to make it uncomfortable, as long as you bundle up and stay warm by the fireplace, you should have a cozy winter and stay warm while doing it.”

Take action

It’s easy to freeze up both figuratively and literally when faced with overwhelming utility bills. These tips can help to curb your energy consumption, and in return, the amount you owe. The sooner you take action, the sooner you will be able to reap the rewards.

Ali Wenzke, moving expert, moved 10 times in 11 years. Now she’s helping the millions of people who move each year by providing practical tips on how to make moving a happy experience with The Art of Happy Moving. After calling seven U.S. states home, Ali is now happily settled in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three children. She doesn’t plan on moving any time soon.