No one cares to dwell in a frosty house, but the cost of household heating is so expensive that at times the only option is to cut back and turn down the thermostat. But that doesn’t need to be the sole solution, you can keep your house warm and comfortable without spending a fortune. Here are a few helpful hints that will help you live nicely in the winter for less.
The first action is to test the energy efficiency of your house and make corrections where necessary. Even insignificant cracks and spaces can let heat from your home to get out and cold air from outside can enter. Be certain you have good weather stripping around all doors and windows. If required, put extra insulation in the attic and basement. One area that people fail to insulate is the electrical outlets that are located along outside walls of your house. Go into a room and put your hand beside an outlet that is on an outside wall, you will probably feel a breeze. Most home improvement stores carry foam gaskets or sealers that are made to go behind the outlet plate. These insulators will help hold the drafts out..
When you think of losing heat in a house, you typically think of windows first and for good reason. If your windows always feel drafty you can put thick, plastic tarps around them from either the outside or inside to put a stop to wintry breezes. If you can’t put sheeting up, you might think about insulated window coverings. But keep in mind that these treatments are only effective when they are covering the window, so you will need to leave them shut most of the time.
Give your furnace a tune up! Even if your furnace boasts high efficiency, if it isn’t taken care of as it should be you will not get the maximum advantage of that efficiency rating. Ensure that you change the filters regularly during heavy use. You should also have a professional heating contractor give your furnace a tune up before winter weather sets in, this will help insure that it gives you the most for your money.
Do you consider your furnace your sole option for heating your home? You don’t need to use your furnace as your sole heat source. Heating fuel is far to expensive for that. If you have an energy efficient gas fireplace, you can turn the thermostat down and allow the heat from the fireplace heat some parts of your home. Many of the new designs of fireplaces that you can buy can be even more energy efficient than most furnaces. If you have a wood burning fireplace or wood stove, this is one more way to cut back on your heating costs. There are limitations in some cities opposed to burning wood because it affects air quality. Check with the laws in your region before you start a fire.
Space heaters are an added way you can save on your heating costs. With space heaters you can heat up just the rooms you use. There are effective and efficient infrared space heaters on the market that will warm up to 1500 square feet for only a few cents a day. Nearly all of the current versions of heaters are cool when you touch them and have several built in safety features so they are just the thing to use around children and pets.
Frosty weather shouldn’t empty your pockets. With some groundwork and planning you can keep your home cozy and warm, but still have money left for fun!