Reduce your energy use.
Heating and cooling your home, especially if you live in a region with extreme temperature shifts, can be among the more expensive components of your utility bill. Luckily, making some easy adjustments can dramatically reduce your energy spending. Follow these 10 tips to cut your energy consumption and maintain comfortable temperatures in your home this winter.
Use the sun for free heat.
That bright orb in the sky should be the focus of temperature control in your residence throughout the year. Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during winter days to bring free heat into your home. Close your window coverings when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.
Bundle up with warm accessories.
This is one of the easiest ways to save on your heating bill. Instead of turning the heat up, put on a cozy winter sweater and warm socks. Keep throw blankets on your couch, and add an area rug to insulate the floor.
Use ceiling fans to your advantage.
Homes that have better ventilation and airflow can be more energy efficient in summer and winter months. If you have ceiling fans, you have more control over ventilation than you know. Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better airflow: Counterclockwise will push hot air up in the summer, and clockwise will trap heat inside to keep rooms warmer during cooler months. Turn your ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
Adjust the thermostat at night.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save about 10 percent per year on your heating bills simply by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. Consider investing in flannel sheets and a warm comforter for your bed and keeping your home cooler when you sleep.
Only heat the rooms you use.
If you have rooms you never use, like guest rooms or large storage areas, close and seal off the vents in those rooms to direct the flow of air to the rooms you use most. By supplementing those efforts with a space heater in cooler rooms and setting the thermostat to 62 degrees, you can save approximately $200 each year and be more energy efficient.
Keep your furnace clean and unblocked.
Keeping your furnace and vents properly maintained will reduce energy consumption and help you save. Check your furnace filter monthly, and replace it when it gets dirty.
Get a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
The air inside your home can become very dry. Moist air feels warmer and holds heat better, so a humidifier can help you feel comfortable when your thermostat is set at a lower temperature. You can also increase the humidity with a collection of house plants, while boosting your home’s aesthetics.
Invest in insulation.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs are lost each year due to heat and cold air escaping in homes without proper insulation. Get some inexpensive insulation from your local home improvement store, and plug up the areas where heat might escape. Start with foam weather stripping for your doors and windows; it’s cheap and easy to apply.
Decorate with LED lights for the holidays.
Buy new LED holiday lights, which use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than older, incandescent lighting. In addition to consuming less energy, LED lights don’t emit as much heat and are more resistant to breakage, making them a safer alternative. Bonus tip: Always unplug your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house. As with all appliances and electronics, your holiday lights will continue to draw power even when not in use, which adds unnecessary expense to utility bills.
Only use exhaust fans when necessary.
Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom pull the hot air that rises to the ceiling out of your home. Use exhaust fans sparingly, and shut them off when you are done with them.
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10 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill originally appeared on usnews.com