How To Keep Heating Costs Low In Winter
57Many of us know the scenario, we trade the high electricity bills of the summer months for the high gas bills of the winter. Every year we find ourselves spending a bundle to keep our warms either warm or cool. But is there a way to stay warm during the winter without spending a bundle? If you are willing to keep your thermostat at a low 69 degrees you can keep your winter costs low and still keep warm. Here's how you can do it.
Dress for the weather
If you want your home to be warm enough for you to wear a light t-shirt and shorts during January then expect to pay for it. Instead of keeping your sweaters for going outside only, invest in a set of warm and comfortable sweaters that you can snuggle up in inside. Wear a thick shirt, a cardigan sweater, layers, or even use a throw blanket across your legs. The warmer you can keep your body indoors the lower you can turn the thermostat. And that means lower winter expenses.
Use sunlight
If you have windows that face southward you can use them to your advantage. Pull back the curtain and open the shades to let the natural sunlight shine through. The light will easily warm your home, or at least that room, completely for free. The opposite of this will also work well in warmer months, keeping these windows covered will keep out the heat.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
With a programmable thermostat you can set the temperature exactly and keep it there. Many also allow you to set a timer on your heating. This way you can keep the temperature lower when no one is home and set it to turn on automatically just before you get home. You can save up to 10% of your heating costs with this simple move.
Weather proof your home
Keeping your house insulated and protected will also keep your heating costs low. Check around your home for drafts that need to be blocked. These may be coming from around doors, windows, and even vents from air conditioning units. You should also maintain your furnace for optimal performance. Check and change your furnace filters and have it checked periodically to make sure it is still working at its best. Making sure your house is ready for winter will keep your costs low.
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Ms Re 2 years ago
Well done. I agree. But I can't tell that to my husband who wants to wear tidy whites to bed in the winter.