Double-digit percentage increases in average home heating prices were forecast in 2017 due to higher crude oil prices and colder winter temperatures. The trend is expected to continue this year. For families that aren’t smart about how they heat their home during the winter months, this could put a dent in their yearly budget. However, the great news is that there are ways in which you can cut your home expenses without having to spend the entire season shivering under a mountain of blankets.
Program Your Thermostat
If you are able to program your thermostat to begin heating your home at a certain time every day, then take advantage of the technology and set it to heat your home about 30 minutes before you know you’ll be home. This prevents wasting excess energy on heating a home during the entire day when you aren’t even there. Most smart thermostats nowadays will allow you to control these settings from your smartphone, and studies have shown that using a pre-set heating and cooling schedule in this way throughout the entire year can help save up to 30% on your energy bill annually.
Opt for Zone Heating
Seeing as you probably only spend time in a few areas of your home, it doesn’t make sense to heat the whole of it. Instead of heating your whole home, it is a great idea to invest in a small battery-powered heater that you can take with you from room to room in order to warm up your toes and hands. This is a great option for homes that don’t get too cold during the winter months or for families that like to spend time outdoors and want to heat their patio space. Studies have shown that your feet help control your body temperature, so by putting on some fuzzy socks and cozying up to a small battery-powered heater you might find yourself warmer than you would be by cranking up the heat in the entire house.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
These are often one of the biggest factors in energy loss for homes all across America, and the US Department of Energy suggests that you can reduce your heating costs up to 30% simply by sealing off problem areas, especially during the winter months. Before winter comes along, plug the gaps around the edges of your doors and windows and try covering drafty windows with a heavy duty clear plastic bag that you can attach on the inside of the window frame.
Cozying Up to Big Savings
As with any home budgeting strategy, it is important to take your family and their needs into consideration and spoil yourself when necessary. By following these home heating hacks, you will be able to save big on your heating costs this winter, leaving you with more money to invest back into enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.
