Stay Warm, Save Money

Wintertime can inundate your home with snow, ice, or frigid winds, depending on where you reside. And while your first move may be to crank up the furnace, there are other cost-effective ways to keep chilly conditions at bay. Try these simple and impactful solutions throughout your abode, and you’ll stay cozy all season long.

Examine furnace filters

Check these heater accessories for cleanliness, and replace them at least every two to three months or as the manufacturer advises; if they’re clogged, your furnace will have to work harder to circulate air. For whole-home efficiency, ask an HVAC technician to recommend cleaning times for your air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as well.

Address your ducts

Similarly, objects obstructing your registers, such as furniture or boxes, can interfere with your heater’s ability to distribute warm air. Especially if you’ve redecorated recently, go room to room to ensure that nothing is blocking the flow of heat through any of them.

Install a smart thermostat

Adding this tool equips you to generate only as much heat as you need, potentially lowering your energy bills. For instance, you can set automatic schedules based on the time of day, creating more warmth when you’re awake and reducing it while you’re asleep or out of the house. In fact, adjusting your thermostat 7–10 degrees lower than its normal temperature setting for eight hours daily can help you save up to 10 percent annually on your electric costs.

Reduce your water temperature

There’s a chance your water heater is overworking when you run your shower, dishwasher, or washing machine. The general recommended setting is 120 degrees, but to save money, consider turning the appliance down 5 to 10 degrees, testing it until you reach a temperature you can be satisfied with.

Check your chimney

While using a fireplace is a simple and satisfying way to get warm, its chimney can also allow heat to escape through it. Always shut the flue when your fireplace is not in use to prevent air transfer, only opening it right before lighting the hearth again. You can purchase a fireplace plug if necessary to create a stronger seal.

Deal with drafts

Does a pesky draft seem to seep from beneath your exterior or basement door? Laying door snakes may help put a stop to this. You can find these weighted fabric tubes at many major retailers or search for a guide online to making your own. And for a more permanent solution to door and window drafts, seal any gaps around the frames using weather stripping or caulk.

Hang heavy drapes

Swapping thin curtains or drapes with thicker alternatives can preserve warm air inside your house and keep chilly outdoor air out; look for thermal options that are designed to provide insulation. However, you should open any treatments on bright days, especially those on south-facing windows, to invite sunlight into your rooms. Just make sure to close them at night to minimize heat loss.

Layer in textiles

Finally, don’t overlook the impact of creating a cozy lounging atmosphere. If you have rooms with cold hardwood, ceramic tile, or laminate flooring, laying rugs will add a soft cushion to help keep your feet warm. And blankets, duvets, thick clothing, and slippers are perfect for warding off the chill—especially if you join a loved one for a heartwarming cuddle session. While this can’t overcome subzero temperatures, you’d be surprised by how effective layering can be at alleviating cool winter nights and keeping your heating use in check.