How to Lower Your Heating Bill There are few things more satisfying than bidding the cold winds and freezing winter temperatures a temporary farewell and entering your warm and cozy house. Thanks to the invention of central heating, many of us find winters to be not nearly as bad as they otherwise would. However, comfort usually comes with a price, and in the case of a warm house it’s a very literal price of an expensive heating bill. Learn how to lower the cost of heating your home while still making it through the winter in comfort.
Lower your Thermostat This can often be a topic of intense debate in any house or apartment, but the fact is that lowering your thermostat is the easiest and most direct way to cut down on the cost of heating your home. It’s estimated that for every degree that you lower your thermostat, you save around 3% on your next heating bill. However, make sure that you never turn off your thermostat while you are away. Doing so can sometimes cause pipes in the house to freeze and rupture, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
Check your Windows Windows have a large part to play in how heat energy in your house is both created and dispersed. The first thing you should be aware of regarding your windows is how well they are fitted to your house. Cracks or spaces on your windows can leak heat at a surprising rate, causing your heater to work harder in order to keep your house warm. Make sure to caulk any gaps in your window frames in order to prevent this, or purchase super insulated windows if you can afford them. Once you have made sure the windows are secure, begin utilizing the sunlight that comes through them in order to heat your house. Keep track of which windows the sun hits throughout the day and make sure the blinds stay open in order to let the sunlight through.
Water Heater Your water heater is also a big culprit regarding why your heating bill can be so high. The first thing you should do is check the settings and lower it to around 120 degrees. Usually this is still high enough so that you won’t notice a difference, but your water heater won’t have to work as hard.
Solar Power If you want to make changes that will help cut your heating bill by a large percentage, consider supplementing your system with solar panels. Efficient solar materials, like the Helios 310 watt panels, can help cut your power costs that are raised by having to carry warm air throughout the house. Solar technology can be an effective and energy-conscious way to save on your next heating bill. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you do not have to continue paying massive amounts for a warm house. Photocredit: flickr, mulmatsherm