The colder months are finally upon us, and that means fighting the sting of chilly temperatures wherever you go. While it’s easy to come inside and escape the cold, sometimes it can feel like your home isn’t as warm as it could be.
Of course, you could always turn up the thermostat. But, that wastes a lot of energy, and can do some serious damage to your utility bills!
So, how can you stay warm this winter without using up a lot of energy in the process?
Cover Your Drafts
Have you ever walked into someone’s home in the winter and nearly tripped over the “draft dodger” leaning against their doorway? Well, these innovative inventions aren’t just annoying or decorative. They can actually make a big difference in how much cold air escapes into your home, and how much heat is released.
Draft dodgers or stoppers have come a long way. You can actually purchase ones that slide right underneath your door, so you don’t have to worry about a big, bulky piece of fabric to get in the way.
Do a little research and see which options would work best for your home.
The Curtain Call
Did you know that simply taking advantage of your curtains can make a big difference in how often your furnace kicks on?
During the day, when the sun is shining and the air temperature gets warmer, leave your curtains open. The sun will naturally help to heat up your house.
At night, close your curtains. The home will retain heat longer, and the chillier temperatures will be less likely to seep inside.
Heat the Room You’re In
Of course, you want your whole house to feel cozy, but let’s be honest – you’re not using every room at once! Central heating uses up a lot of energy and can be incredibly expensive when you’re using it to heat your whole house all winter.
You can actually save money and use less energy by purchasing energy-efficient space heaters. Then, simply use the heater for whatever room you’re in. You can turn it off when you’re done, or when you move to a different area of the house.
There are a lot of common misconceptions about space heaters. While it’s still incredibly important to use them with caution and follow basic safety guidelines, they are much safer than they were in the past.
As you can see, it’s not incredibly difficult to save on energy during the winter. In fact, it can be fun to think of different ways to cut down on your heating costs. If you want to go one step further, one of the easiest things you can do at home is layer up! Put on some thick socks, a couple layers of clothes, etc.
All of these options are quick, easy, and effective ways to save energy, save money, and stay warm all winter long. When Spring finally rolls around, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to look back on your utility bills and see just how much you were able to save.