Feeling like the costs of everything are on the rise? If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of everything from gas to groceries has gone up. Even homes and apartments across the country seem to cost more than ever. These increased costs don’t always correlate to better wages, so you may be struggling to make ends meet.
In some ways, costs have come down, at least on gas. Still, you may still be paying more at the grocery store or for other goods and services than you used to. And, while winter might be drawing to a close, it’s not over yet. The cost of utilities can quickly add up, especially if you’re in a colder climate.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your heating bill for the rest of the cold season, these five tips can help.
Tip 1: Get A Fireplace
While having a central heating system is comfortable, it can be an expensive way to heat your home or apartment. If you already have a fireplace, make a habit of using it.
If you don’t have one, installing a fireplace can make heating your home more efficient and less expensive. If you really want to save some money on your utility bills, consider adding in a wood fireplace, but keep in mind there are specific upkeep requirements you’ll need to know about.
Tip 2: Replace Filters
One of the simplest ways you can improve the efficiency of your furnace is to replace the filters. If you didn’t do this at the start of the winter season, make sure you do so now. Depending on the HVAC system you have, your pets, and other factors, you may need to replace these filters every couple of months.
Tip 3: Seal Up Doors And Windows
Drafts from small cracks around doors and windows can let in cold air from the outside. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix. All you have to do is replace old weather stripping and door sweeps. Or, get new ones if these aren’t properly installed around the house.
Tip 4: Dress Warmly
While you want your home to be comfortable, you can dress in warm clothes to keep from being too cold inside. This way, you can turn down your thermostat without feeling uncomfortable. You can also place lots of warm blankets around the house to cozy up under on particularly cold days.
When it comes to dressing warmly, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Layering makes all the difference: Invest in a warm underlayer of clothing. Then, put on warm sweaters, sweatpants, and even coats.
- Keep your feet warm: Cold feet will have you rushing to turn up the heat. So, make sure you have socks meant to protect against cold weather. Then, get a comfy pair of slippers.
- Wear a hat: Finally, keep your head and ears warm by wearing a beanie or fluffy winter hat.
Tip 5: Let Sunlight In When You Can
During the day, leave blinds and curtains open to let in the sun. Then, when sunset comes, close them again. You want to let the heat in when it’s sunny and then keep it from escaping at night.
While paying for a high energy bill is frustrating, you can follow these few tips to save some money. With a few upgrades and changes, you won’t have to worry as much about the rising costs of your utilities.
