With winter comes extremely cold temperatures. During this time of year, many homeowners see their utility bills rise significantly due to increased heating costs.

 

Fortunately, there are several things homeowners can do to save money on utility costs from the winter. From using space heaters to filling cracks in windows in doorways, there are several methods you can implement in your home to reduce your winter spending. Consider trying some of these strategies to cut costs during the cold winter months.

 

 

Use Space Heaters

As the primary reason for increased costs during the winter is heating costs, homeowners can use space heaters to say warm and lower their heating bill.

Use a space heater only in whichever room you are currently in as it is a great way to warm up a small space without wasting money on heat for rooms that you aren’t currently using. Of course, space heaters aren’t strong enough to heat up an entire building, they are perfect for individual rooms and smaller apartments.

 

 

Turn Down the Heat When You Leave and at Night

Increased heating costs are usually unavoidable during the winter; however, strategically managing your thermostat depending on the time of day can help keep these costs from getting out of hand.

Make sure to turn down your thermostat before you leave the house. You might be inclined to leave it on so that you can come back to a warm house, but this can drastically increase your utility bill.

 

Additionally, consider turning down the thermostat at night and rely on heavy blankets to keep you warm. Additionally, you can consider investing in a programmable thermostat to ensure that you are only using heat when you need it.

 

 

Wear Layers Indoors

You have a heater, so why not use it, right? Well, if you’re trying to save money, then you should use your heater as sparingly as possible.

Instead, be sure to bundle up even while indoors. Wear multiple heavy layers. Wear sock and slipper. Use a heavy blanket when you’re just sitting around the house. Wearing warmer clothes can allow you to turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees without sacrificing your comfort which can save a lot of money over the course of a few months.

 

 

Clean Your Furnace Filter

One often overlooked home maintenance task is cleaning your furnace filter. Every two months or so, you should be sure to clean your furnace filter in order to ensure that it is operating as efficiently as possible. In fact, completing this simple task can improve your furnace’s efficiency by up to 50%.

 

 

Fill Cracks

Cracks in doors, windows, walls, and more can allow heat to escape your home. Additionally, they can cause drafts which cool your home down even more. Consider covering windows with plastic wrap or using caulk to fill cracks in order to keep the heat in. This is incredibly easy to do and the necessary tools are very cheap. Sealing cracks throughout your home can save you a significant amount of money on your heating bill.

 

As winter comes around, many homeowners experience a significant increase in their utility bill. It can be hard to reduce these costs as they rely on heat to keep warm during the unforgiving weather. Consider implementing a few of these steps to help cut costs during the winter.