5 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Costs and Stay Warm this Winter

Winter is finally here! It’s January, and it sure does feel like it. If you’d like to know of some easy ways to reduce your heating costs without freezing in your home, read on.

Raise the humidity in your home

It’s a simple fact – dry air is cold air. Not only do you feel colder in dry air, but adding some humidity in your home will allow your indoor air to retain heat longer. Aim for a humidity range of 30-50%. One way to raise the humidity in your home is to invest in a whole-house humidifier. But also be aware that there are a couple of low-tech, inexpensive ways to achieve the same result:

– Place shallow containers of water near heating vents or in any unobtrusive spots around your home.
– Buy some houseplants and keep them well-watered.

Install a programmable thermostat

If you’re still adjusting the thermostat by hand, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. It’s not always easy to remember to adjust the thermostat when you’re leaving for work or before you go to bed. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it and forget it. If you can program the thermostat for 5-10 degrees lower when you’re sleeping or at work, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll save.

Get rid of drafts

Inspect your home for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Use silicone caulking or weather stripping to eliminate those drafts.

Make use of blinds and curtains

If you have windows that face the south, leave the curtains open and the blinds up to maximize the heat from the sun. At night, close the curtains and blinds. For north facing windows, it’s best to keep the curtains and blinds closed all day and all night.

Maintain your furnace

Check the furnace filters monthly and make sure you are replacing them regularly. Have your furnace checked and maintained annually to keep it running at maximum efficiency.