It seems that most of the country has been blanketed with a cold snap lately. Once you’re done building snowmen and making snow angels, there is only so much a cup of hot cocoa can do to warm you up. But, no one wants their heating bills to skyrocket this winter just because it’s colder than usual.
Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to actually lower your heating bills, and still remain warm and toasty all season long. Saving money and staying comfortable? It’s a win-win! Use the tips listed in this article to keep warm this winter without breaking the bank.
Repair Your Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is something many of us have installed once, and don’t often think about it again. But, the name doesn’t lie: Weather stripping is designed to keep your home warm during colder months by blocking out drafts. Even the smallest tear or crack can let enough cold air get into your house to make a difference.
Weather stripping should be replaced every few years. A good rule of thumb is to look it over once a year and see what kind of shape it’s in. You’ll have a pretty good idea about when it’s time to take it down and reinstall new stripping. The good news? It’s incredibly easy to put new weather stripping in, and you’ll notice a difference right away.
Don’t Let Warm Air Escape
Nothing sounds better than a cozy fire in the middle of winter. But, when your fireplace isn’t being used, warm air from inside your house can escape from the chimney. This can cause your furnace to have to kick on more often, and that means money is literally being sent up the chimney!
A great solution for this is to make a small investment in a chimney balloon. You can get them at almost any hardware store or online. You simply blow up the balloon and put it up the chimney. It will block out any warm air from escaping, and can save you up to $100 each year in utility costs.
Insulate Your Attic Door
Many people make the mistake of getting their attic properly insulated, but ignoring the attic door. Remember, heat rises. When you have the heat blowing throughout your house, it could seep into the attic door, and your home is losing that heat in the process. Again, this will cause your furnace to have to work overtime.
If you already have your attic insulated, take the time to make sure the door is properly insulated in the same way. If you don’t have your attic insulated at all, it’s a strong investment you should make. It can save you hundreds of dollars, and you’ll likely notice right away how much easier it is for your house to warm up quickly.
By using these three simple tips alone, you could end up saving thousands of dollars through the years. They are small investments to make for long-term winter savings. You’ll feel warmer and more comfortable, and when the cold weather has passed by for another year, you’ll have more money in your wallet to show for it!