Winter has its share of charms, with snow-topped trees and white Christmases. Unfortunately, winter also has its share of unpleasantries such as the dreaded winter utility bills. The good news is that most people can find at least one way to cut down on their heating bills if they take a good look at their home and their habits. Why spend extra money if you don’t have to?
One big thing you can do is try to reduce your reliance on central heating. If you spend a lot of time in your living room in the evening, try using the fireplace instead of the heater. People who never seem to make it out of their home office might want to consider placing a space heater in that room and turning off the central heat. Also, be sure to close the vents in any rooms that you don’t use much such as spare bedrooms or the dining room. It doesn’t make much financial sense to pay to heat the entire house if you spend all your time in just one or two rooms.
You can also change your habits in a few small ways that can make a big difference when you open up those bills. Try to take shorter showers and don’t turn the hot water up all the way. Hot water isn’t very good for your skin anyway. Unless you have a very dirty job, you can wash your clothes in cold water which can save a significant amount of money if you tend to do a lot of laundry. Even switching to warm water can help save a few dollars every month.
Look around your house for any places that air could be escaping. Even small leaks can add up over time. Doors and windows are the most common culprits. A chimney is another place where large amounts of air can escape. Be sure to check your home thoroughly for leaks and pay special attention to the basement and attic.
Windows tend to be drafty, particularly in older homes. Thermal curtains are a great way to help keep the heat in the room. These curtains can help create a sort of seal around the window itself and their thick texture and light-blocking ability help to keep all the heat inside the room. For more information on this type of curtains, check out the Room Divider Guide.
There are a surprising number of ways to save money on bills if you think carefully about your home and your lifestyle. A few small routine changes can give you a lot more spending money.