How to Save on the Cost of Heating This Winter

Last Updated on December 11, 2021

cost of heating

The cost of running your furnace for three straight months can be debilitating. However, there are a few simple home hacks that can help you save on your monthly energy bills.

Some of the solutions in this article cost money while others are free. No matter what though, each one is optimized to help you save money on one of the most expensive utilities in your home. Without further ado, read on for a guide on how to save on the cost of heating.

Dress For the Occasion

warm clothes

Warm Clothes, Image Credit: Pxfuel

Heavier clothes are one of the easiest and most obvious ways to save money in the winter. However, not all warm clothes are created equally. To maximize the effectiveness of your wardrobe it is important to target vulnerable areas.

For example, most heat escapes from your head and your feet. A nice cap and some thick, cozy socks can help you feel comfortable with colder temperatures in your house.

The Fireplace

Fireplace

A Fireplace, Image Credit By: kinderland, pexels

Running a fireplace is significantly more affordable than running a heater. Naturally, this is a solution you will only want to utilize when you have the time to attend to the fire.

However, under the right circumstances, a good fire is a relaxing and effective way to stay warm in the winter.

See: The top electric fireplaces of the year

Space Heaters

Space Heater

A Space Heater Image, Credit By: W-Dragon Space Heater, amazon

Space heaters work in much the same way as furnaces, but rather than heating the entire house they heat a radius of only several feet.

By virtue of their limited range, they consume much less energy than a full-blown furnace. If you know that you are going to be in one room for prolonged periods, a space heater can be an affordable way to stay comfortable.

Energy Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows are great all year round. They ensure that heat does not slip through the panes of your window, ensuring that your furnace doesn’t have to work so hard.

The upfront cost of this solution can be a little bit stifling, but the savings are well worth it in the long run.

What about for the summer? Click here to see the best window fans!

Smart Thermostat

Room Thermostat

Room Thermostat, Image Credit: Room Thermostat, Flickr

Smart thermostats use sensors to monitor when you are active throughout your house. They are then able to use algorithms to create a specialized heating strategy for your home. As a result, you are always comfortable in hour house, but the heater does not have to waste energy when you aren’t around.

Smart thermostats are not cheap, but they are often known to pay for themselves eventually.

Don’t Let the Heat Out

Finally, do what you can to keep the heat in your house. This mostly means that you should avoid leaving doors or windows open.

It can even be to your benefit to keep interior doors closed. For example, your bedroom will stay much warmer if the furnace vents are only circulating hot air in that limited space. With the bedroom door open, your bedroom vents may also be heating the hallway, making the furnace less effective.

The more efficiently the furnace is able to run, the less work it has to do. The less work it has to do, the more money you save on your monthly bills. It’s as simple as that!