Energy costs are sure to shoot up again as we turn on those heaters and try our very best to keep the winter chill outside the house. Nobody can stop the snow from falling but keeping warm in your home is easy and affordable with these simple tips.

Winter home

Hot Tips for Winter



Thermostat



The thermostat regualtes the temperature in our homes during these cold winter months. Cranking the thermostat a few degrees definitely hikes your energy bills a few degrees higher too. This could leave you warmer but certainly puts a gentle breeze in your pocket.


Putting a sweater on or slipping a pair of slippers could certainly keep the cold weather out when you’re inside the house. If you live in those cold winter states where snow seems to have no end you might also consider placing a few kerosene lamps iinside the house. This could cut your energy bills by providing extra lighting in the house while giving off heat at the same time.


Replacing your thermostat with newer more efficient ones could also cut energy bills. Newer thermostats allow you to schedule when you’re heater turns on without you constantly checking on the meter. This also gives you a more accurate reading on your home’s temperature and allows you to adjust it to your desired levels.


Insulation


Insulators keep off the heat during the summer and keep it inside the cold winter months. iInstalling them in your house could not only save you money during this winter but all year long. Insulators are only effective when they are properly installed. Plugging all leaks where heat may escape can make them even more effective.


Another cool trick is to insulate your piping systems. This would decrease heat loss to the air and keep the hot temperature of water going to your faucet or shower.


Maintaining the Heating System


Be sure that the heating system is working at its optimum performance. Check vents and be sure that no furniture is blocking them. Check your heating systems filters; be sure to replace them when they get dirty to ensure that warm air gets through the air vents.


Sealing leaks


Most of the heat generated by your heating system is lost through your windows. Placing thick curtains could act as insulators that keep heat inside and cold air outside. Placing plastic on your windows could also serve as insulation and allowing natural light to come in. Placing weather strips on your window's edges also ensures that no warm air leaks out your home.


Placing a rug to seal the area between the floor and the door could be an easy way of plugging that leak. If your door opens to the inside placing some rugs outside can help keep the winter weather at bay.


Serve food warm


Keeping your body temperature warm is easy by just simply drinking a cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk. Serving a warm bowl of chicken soup can jack your body temperature a few degrees higher. Body heat is lost through the air and keeping a few layers of clothing can keep the heat from escaping your body.


Maintaining your body temperature is easy by following these simple tips. These save you a few hundred dollars during these winter months and stop you from clicking that thermostat a notch higher.