Winter is coming! Are you looking to save on your heating costs in the months ahead? Read on for The Goodhart Group’s top tips for slashing your heating bill this winter.

Top Tips for How to Save on Your Heating Costs

1. Use a programmable thermostat. Did you know you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower your home’s temperature for 24 hours? Program your heat to come on right before you wake up and return home from work and to lower when you leave for work and go to bed. Check out this option by Nest. 
2. Close the flue. An open chimney flue when not in use is essentially leaving a window open several inches. 
3. Use fans. Set a fan on a low setting to circulate air upward toward the ceiling. This will force the warmer air that has risen to become trapped and then moved downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
4. Keep vents and radiators clear. Ensure your vents/radiators aren’t blocked by rugs, furniture, or anything else. When air circulates freely, you get the full benefit of the warm air and with less strain on the furnace.
5. Clean all vents and radiators. Dust is a significant allergen. Clean the built-up dust from your radiators and baseboard heat vents often, allowing the air to flow freely and evenly into your rooms. Also, be sure to change your home’s air filters. For tips on how to change the air filters, read our related post.
6. Use your windows wisely. Up to a quarter of your home’s heat loss can be attributed to windows. During the day, open the window treatments on any south-facing window to allow the sun’s heat to warm your home. Close them at night and when the sun is not shining to insulate your house and keep the heat inside.
7. Shut interior doors. Shut the doors and close the vents rooms you’re not actively using.
8. Seal the leaks in your house. Up to 40 percent of a home’s heat loss is due to air leaks. You can save between ten and 20 percent on your heating costs this winter by sealing up any leaks. These gaps are often found around doors, windows, near the attic, where wires and cables enter your house, and around electrical outlets. For more on this topic, read our related post.
9. Add insulation. Insulation helps keep warm air in — and cold air out. Insulation not only saves you money, but it can also be a tax-deductible home improvement (providing an even better return for your investment). Don’t forget to insulate the basement, which can help keep your house warmer during winter.
10. Use a humidifier. A humidifier can reduce your heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. Humidifiers can also reduce static electricity and dry skin, improve breathing, and keep your family healthier (a dry room also allows germs to spread more easily).
11. Install an air vent booster. This fan over your vent works by drawing additional air into a room that is too cold.
12. Choose the right window treatments. Curtains with a very heavy, tightened weave or solid lining and can help insulate your home.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to save on your heating costs this winter. With some simple changes and smart purchases, you can easily save some cash on your winter heating bill!

Read more of our tips on maintaining your home through the winter months.

For more of our tips in your inbox each month, sign on for our blog roundup.

Thinking of a move? We’d love to help! Please reach out today.