8 Ways To Slash Your Heating Bills

When the temperatures are below freezing, nothing feels more comforting than walking inside a toasty home. However, running your heat all winter can get expensive, especially if you live in a very cold area of the country. Before you know it, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars a months on heating alone. The good news is that if you make some adjustments, you can lower your energy bills in the winter. Here are eight ways to slash your heating bills.

Winterize Your Windows

Cold air can easily sneak through your windows, especially if they are older and not efficient. When cold drafts get inside your house, they force your heating system to work harder to keep your home warm. If you take some time to seal your windows with plastic, you can avoid this problem. After you have thoroughly washed your windows and taken measurements of the frames, Howcast suggests putting double-sided tape on the edges and placing the plastic on top of the tape. To tighten the seal, blow-dry the plastic wrap for a minute or two.

Take Advantage of Your Oven

The oven in your kitchen is not just great for breaking holiday cookies; it also can help lower your heating bills. After you get done baking something in your oven, leave the door open for about 15 minutes. All that warm air will heat up your house and give your heating system a break.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are not just beneficial in the summer; they can also help you save some money on heating in the winter. If you turn the fan on a low setting, it will help trap heat inside your home. Your furnace will not have to use as much energy to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.

Buy a Humidifier

If you do not already have one, think about buying a humidifier. This device does not just help soothe coughs; it also can reduce heating costs. The moist air the humidifier releases is better at holding heat in rooms. This means you can turn down the thermostat down a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

Use a Space Heater

A space heater is another device you should take advantage of in the winter. If you put the space heater in a room where your family spends a lot of time, you can turn down thermostat several degrees. Although the rest of the house will be a little colder, everyone in the room will stay nice and toasty.

Fill Gaps Around Electrical Boxes

The electrical boxes in your walls are probably not something you spend a lot of time thinking about. However, these boxes can be quite drafty if they aren't insulated properly. That is why it's important to check for gaps around the electrical boxes at least once a month. If you detect gaps, you can fill them easily with acrylic latex caulk.

Change Furnace Filters

An easy way to keep your heating bills under control is to change the furnace filters once a month. Dust and dirt can quickly accumulate in the filters, so the furnace will have to work overtime to keep your house warm.

Replace Old Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping around doors and windows will certainly reduce drafts, but it can wear down over time. If the weatherstripping is old and worn down, it will not be able to keep cold air out of your house. Check the weatherstripping around your doors and windows every couple of months for holes and cracks. If there appears to be wear and tear, just pull off the old weatherstripping and replace it.

Contact heating and cooling services for professional assistance.