10 Ways To Save Money On Your Heat Bill

Winter is coming, the weather is cooling and soon the heat bills will be rising. Although snow days are a lot of fun, they sure do take a toll on the bank account. Thankfully there are a few simple things you can do to save money on your heat bill this winter.

10 Ways To Save Money On Your Heat Bill

1. One of the easiest ways to save money on your heating bill is to install a programmable thermostat. set your thermostat to 60 degrees at night and when you are not home, and at 68 when you are home. If your heater is normally set at 72, this can save you over 10% off of your heating bill! Does 68 sound too cold for you? You might be surprised how warm long sleeves, socks, and a light throw blanket will keep you. The savings on your heating bill is sure to keep you warm too.
2. Keep your furnace filter clean. Dirty filters obstruct air flow and make your furnace work harder to push warm air throughout the house. Replace your air filters monthly to be sure air flows well. IF you have allergies, consider a HEPA filter to help remove air particulates that may cause irritation while you are at it.
3. Use passive solar heating on sunny days. When the sun is up, open up the blinds and curtains, especially on your south and west-facing windows. The solar radiation can passively eat up your home during the day. When the sun starts to go down, close all of the blinds and curtains to keep in the warm air. Blackout curtains are especially good at insulating windows and keeping the cold air out.
4. Keep your fireplace damper closed. Heat rises and will rise right out of your house if your fireplace damper is closed. Most old fireplaces lose more heat than they generate. When it is windy cold air can come into the home from the fireplace as well so after you enjoy a nice fire, be sure to close the damper so you don’t lose any hot air.
5. Open the doors in your home to encourage air flow and allow the heating system to work more efficiently.
6. Only use the ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathrooms as needed. Turn them off immediately after they are done doing their job. They have the ability not only to remove bad smells, but also to remove warm air from the home.

1. Keep heating vents clear of obstructions. Blocking heating vents reduces the efficiency of the heating system and can be a fire hazard.
2. Find and block air leaks. On a windy day close up the house and hold a candle or incense to the windows, around door sills, chimney dampers, and ventilation fans. If the flame or smoke flickers or blows out you know you have a leak. You can caulk and seal windows to block the drafty spots, use door stoppers to block the air leak under doors, and buy outlet gaskets for plugs that are in walls that exit to the outside. IT is estimated that this can save you another 10% on your heating bill.
3. Winterize your windows by installing plastic sheeting, especially on windows where a perfect view isn’t crucial. This will prevent drafts, which helps keep the windows from rattling in a big wind storm.
4. Check the duct work in your home once a year. When the fan is on, feel around the ducts in your home. If you feel a small air leak use duct tape to seal it off. If there is a larger leak you might need a professional to come and take a look.

These are just some ways you can save money on your heat bill this winter. There are other more expensive options like improving the insulation in your home, purchasing a high-efficiency furnace, and buying energy-efficient windows, but these simple affordable changes can save you up to 40% on your heating bill, which is no small amount.