Share this article:
The cost of heating and cooling accounts for 48% of energy use in a typical home in the United States, and it’s usually the single largest household expense. In fact, households spend from 1.5 to 3.4% of annual pre-tax income on electricity, depending on state. For those using gas or fuel oil for heating, the cost is compounded by seasonal shifts in pricing.
Considering these cold, hard facts, it often makes sense to invest in making your home as energy efficient as possible. Making improvements to save money on winter heating bills doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are even some steps you can put in place yourself.
Here are six ideas to consider to cut back on heating costs this winter.
Seal the Gaps
A huge step you can take towards cutting heating costs is to seal gaps where warm air can escape from the home and cold air can infiltrate from the outside. Caulking around windows and doors is a good first step. But remember to look for and replace worn weather stripping as well.
When resealing their homes, homeowners tend to overlook heating ducts in basements and attics and areas around electrical and lighting fixtures. These small gaps may not seem like much. But the heat loss they allow add up.
Check Your Insulation
Many types of insulation can break down with time and develop gaps that allow heat to escape your home. Many older forms of insulation are not as efficient as newer types.
Check your home for areas where your insulation may have come lose or settled and become thin. These are often found along the eaves in attics and in crawl spaces.
Even if you find no deficiencies, consider adding an extra layer and covering areas that may not be so obvious. You can now buy pre-fitted insulation blankets to cover most standard attic access doors. Insulating your pipes will not only help you avoid costly repairs, but it can help lower the load on your hot water heater.
Tune Up Your Heating System
Regardless of the type of heating system you have, consider cleaning the system components (such as fans and heat exchangers) to improve the efficiency of your system. Some homeowners also should have air ducts cleaned and serviced regularly. Heat exchangers can become clogged with dust and dirt and dirty ductwork can restrict airflow.
A clean heating system not only can save money, but it also lessens the chances of a breakdown.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
The U.S. Department of Energy asserts that homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by dialing back the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
A programmable thermostat can automate this temperature setback. It can give you the capability to lower heat settings at the times you are not at home or asleep and then raise them again in time for you to return or wake to a toasty house. And thermostat costs have really dropped in the last few years.
Replace Old Doors and Windows
Unless your home is newly built, it is not likely that it is equipped with the most-efficient insulated doors and windows. These can be pricey to buy and have installed. But considering the amount of heat loss your home likely suffers through these two areas, they can be worth the investment.
Use Home Decor for Warmth
A few other things you can do to help make your home more comfortable this winter are adding runners and throw rugs on your floors, hanging heavier drapes on your windows, and closing off unused rooms.
These are just a few improvements that can help save you money on your heating bills this winter.
Considering these cold, hard facts, it often makes sense to invest in making your home as energy efficient as possible. Making improvements to save money on winter heating bills doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are even some steps you can put in place yourself.
Here are six ideas to consider to cut back on heating costs this winter.
Seal the Gaps
A huge step you can take towards cutting heating costs is to seal gaps where warm air can escape from the home and cold air can infiltrate from the outside. Caulking around windows and doors is a good first step. But remember to look for and replace worn weather stripping as well.
When resealing their homes, homeowners tend to overlook heating ducts in basements and attics and areas around electrical and lighting fixtures. These small gaps may not seem like much. But the heat loss they allow add up.
Check Your Insulation
Many types of insulation can break down with time and develop gaps that allow heat to escape your home. Many older forms of insulation are not as efficient as newer types.
Check your home for areas where your insulation may have come lose or settled and become thin. These are often found along the eaves in attics and in crawl spaces.
Even if you find no deficiencies, consider adding an extra layer and covering areas that may not be so obvious. You can now buy pre-fitted insulation blankets to cover most standard attic access doors. Insulating your pipes will not only help you avoid costly repairs, but it can help lower the load on your hot water heater.
Tune Up Your Heating System
Regardless of the type of heating system you have, consider cleaning the system components (such as fans and heat exchangers) to improve the efficiency of your system. Some homeowners also should have air ducts cleaned and serviced regularly. Heat exchangers can become clogged with dust and dirt and dirty ductwork can restrict airflow.
A clean heating system not only can save money, but it also lessens the chances of a breakdown.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
The U.S. Department of Energy asserts that homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by dialing back the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
A programmable thermostat can automate this temperature setback. It can give you the capability to lower heat settings at the times you are not at home or asleep and then raise them again in time for you to return or wake to a toasty house. And thermostat costs have really dropped in the last few years.
Replace Old Doors and Windows
Unless your home is newly built, it is not likely that it is equipped with the most-efficient insulated doors and windows. These can be pricey to buy and have installed. But considering the amount of heat loss your home likely suffers through these two areas, they can be worth the investment.
Use Home Decor for Warmth
A few other things you can do to help make your home more comfortable this winter are adding runners and throw rugs on your floors, hanging heavier drapes on your windows, and closing off unused rooms.
These are just a few improvements that can help save you money on your heating bills this winter.
