3 Easy Ways to Save Money on Heating Costs this Winter
It is undeniable that winter has arrived. Many states and American cities are now experiencing snowfall, and the holiday season is about to get underway. However, it's also time to consider ways to lower the expense of your heating costs. Depending on where you reside, utility bills can quadruple during this time of year. Here are three simple strategies to reduce your heating costs if you use it frequently.
1. Conduct A Home Energy Audit
Numerous energy companies would gladly conduct an energy audit of your house at no cost or for a little fee. This audit will identify any areas in your home where heat or air conditioning may be escaping during the winter or summer. An audit will help you locate any leaks near your doors and windows as well as any spaces that are inadequately insulated.
You can make changes to your home to increase its energy efficiency by identifying the places where heat is lost. Your heating costs will go down if the problem is fixed since you'll consume less energy to keep your house warm. To arrange an audit and to save money in the process, get in touch with your energy provider.
2. Take Into Account Alternate Heating Options
Utilizing a fireplace or wood-burning stove in your home can be more economical. Analyze whether warming up with wood will be more affordable than with electricity. Also, since upper floors are less expensive to heat than lower ones, if you currently reside in a ground-level apartment you might want to think about relocating up to the second or third floor.
Heating only the spaces you use is a straightforward additional cost-saving measure. Mini-split systems are becoming more and more popular because they are less expensive to heat a room with than a full-sized AC/Heater and are quieter. Installing one in each room would allow you to only utilize it when necessary. It's simple to squander electricity and money by heating your entire house. Use a plug-in electric heater as an alternative to installing a mini-split system.
3. Change The Thermostat
It makes sense to lower the thermostat while you are sleeping or away from home. Or, if you don't mind the cold, you can put on several layers of sweaters and get used to living in a chilly environment. You may save your heating costs by at least 50% by keeping your thermostat set at 58 degrees. However, your home will undoubtedly be very chilly. Although 58 is a low temperature, you can choose a higher setting as a compromise. However, if you're serious about saving money, keep the number a little lower than usual.
If you absolutely cannot stand the cold, invest in a programmable thermostat and create a heating schedule that fits your family's schedule.
