Ways to Save Money and Stay Warm All Winter

Are you looking for ways to winterize your home to maximize energy efficiency and to help save money on your heating costs? Do you get the chills every time you look at your utility bill? The good news is that you can change this feeling by taking these steps to help make you and your home comfortable throughout the cold winter months.

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

This will allow you to preset the temperatures in your home for different times of the day. Regulating the heat in your home based on time of day could help save money on your utility bills by lowering your furnace’s energy usage when you’re away from home.

Also, try to set the temperature a degree or two cooler when you are home and instead put on a comfy pair of socks and sweater – this can help keep you warmer and conserve energy.

Find out more about the features and benefits of different thermostat types.

2. Get a Professional to Conduct a Home Energy Audit

When was the last time your home had an energy audit done? This process can help identify areas where heat is escaping as well as where cold air is getting in or energy is unnecessarily being consumed – which will ultimately help keep you warm and save money!

Some municipalities may offer subsidies or rebates on energy conservation home improvements. Visit your municipality or utility website for more information on financial incentives or programs related to energy efficiency.

3. Seal Cracks in Your Home

Take a tour around your home and check to see if there are any gaps on windows, doors and walls. Cracks will allow drafts in or cause heat to escape, so it’s important to seal them with the appropriate caulking.

4. Protect Your Windows

Double-glazed energy efficient windows provide superior heat retention but can be an expensive upgrade. If window upgrades are not in the budget, consider other options that can help keep the cold air out, such as installing extra thick drapes or curtains. There are also options available from your local hardware store such as installing a clear plastic film across the inside of your windows during winter.

5. Insulate Different Areas of Your Home

By ensuring you have sufficient insulation in your attic space and in the exterior walls of your home you’ll help prevent heat loss and help keep your home feeling warmer.

6. Change Your Furnace Filter

Cleaning or replacing furnace filters more frequently during heating season can help to keep airflow moving more efficiently. Dirty filters restrict airflow and in turn may increase energy use of your furnace. This small measure can help your furnace last longer and run at its peak efficiently. Set yourself a monthly reminder on your calendar to check / change your furnace filter. Learn how to change them here!

7. Install or Leverage Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can not only be used in the warm summer months but you can also leverage them in the winter as they can help evenly circulate heat in your home. This can be done by reversing your fan’s direction counterclockwise. This will push warm air down helping it to recirculate, allowing you to stay more comfortable.

8. Schedule a Tune-Up or Replace Your Furnace

When was the last time you had a furnace tune-up? It’s important to give your furnace some TLC on an annual basis. This can help it to run smoothly and efficiently. Click here to learn more about our tune-ups!

Looking for more information on furnaces? Read our Ultimate Furnace Guide!