Keeping a home warm in the winter can mean high heating bills, especially if your home isn’t winter ready. Heating bills can really take a toll on household budgets, more so for those living on a fixed income or on a tight budget. These tips will help you reduce your heating bill while still staying warm this winter!
1. Lower the thermostat-This is an easy and free way to lower your winter heating costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save an average of 10% per month on your heating bill if you lower the thermostat while you sleep.
2. Insulate your home better-Insulation helps keep warm air inside the house and the cold air stay outside. This will help your home stay warmer longer and cut down on heating costs. Depending on what type of insulation you use, it can actually be tax deductible. If you end up increasing the amount of insulation in your home, Steelcoat® Products are great for keeping the construction and surrounding areas clean and mess free. Check out our full product line here: https://www.steelcoatproducts.com/products/
3. Seal and insulate heating ducts-Most ducts actually have leaks that can let warm air escape, costing you more money.
4. Seal the leaks in your house-Make sure you also seal any other leaks in your house. The most common areas where air warm air can escape and let cold air in are doors, windows, attics, basements, where wires and cables enter your house, and electrical outlets.
5. Keep vents and radiators clean and clear-Keeping vents and radiators clean and clear of furniture or other objects allows the warm air flow freely into the room. Dust and furniture inhibit air flow which makes it harder to warm up a room.
6. Keep ventilation fans off when not in use-Ventilation fans for bathrooms and kitchens can suck out the warm air in your house. Make sure they are turned off when not in use.
7. Change your furnace filter-Changing the filter allows for a better air flow and can help extend the life of your furnace. It can also cut down on the amount of energy needed to circulate the air.
8. Run ceiling fan in reverse to circulate hot air-Did you know that you can use your fan to push the warm air that rises downward? This is a simple and free way to use heat that is already there to make your home feel warmer.
9. Install plastic window treatments-Plastic window treatments are an inexpensive way to reduce heat loss from drafty windows. Most are easy to install and can end up saving you a decent amount of money on your heating bill, especially if you have old or single pane windows.
10. Use insulated curtains on windows-Insulated curtains also help reduce heat loss from drafty windows. In addition, keeping the windows covered when its dark out helps keep cold air outside and warm air inside.
The majority of these tips require little time, money, and effort and are well worth the investment. Little changes can end up saving you a lot of money and energy, which is great for both your wallet and the environment.
Steelcoat® Products is a division of Petoskey Plastics serving multiple markets in the construction, home improvement, and retail industries with a variety of products. Our combination of innovative design and technology with specialized engineering makes our products some of the best in the market. Steelcoat® Products include painter’s plastic, plastic sheeting, contractor bags, trash bags, can and drum liners, and much more, in addition to private label solutions for our customers. Learn more at steelcoatproducts.com.