Winter is coming. For some people, that means it's time to get cozy by the fire and sip hot cocoa until spring arrives. (For others, it means they're just really cold.) Whether you're a Game of Thrones fan or not, there are so many ways to lower your heating bill that no matter how cold it gets outside, you'll stay warm in your home.
Here are some ways to lower your heating bill without feeling like you're sacrificing comfort or style.
Check for leaks.
- Check around windows and doors. If you find any drafts, you may have a leak that needs to be fixed.
- Look for hot spots in your house. This is a sign of a draft under the wall or window sill.
- Check your furnace filter. If it's dirty, change it! Dirty filters can cause serious problems with heating systems and increase energy bills as well as decrease comfort levels in the home because they're not working as efficiently as they should be (and if they're not working efficiently, then more heat is escaping).
Install a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat is a good investment for anyone looking to lower their heating bill. These devices are able to be controlled remotely from your mobile device, which means that you can set them up to heat or cool only when needed and at different times during the day.
When choosing a smart thermostat, make sure it's compatible with your heating system and has the right connections for the type of HVAC system you have. If you have an older furnace or boiler in your home, it might not need any special parts or connections; however, if there's some sort of complex wiring involved (like with electric baseboard heaters) then having an expert install the device would probably be worth it.
Change your filters.
Filters should be changed at least once a month to keep the air inside your home clean, but it's important to make sure you're using the right type of filter for your system. Some filters are more effective than others, so it's important to check with a professional when choosing which one is right for your home.
If possible, choose a MERV 8 or higher rating for most systems; however, some models may require a higher rating depending on their quality level and efficiency.
Some models can be expensive-especially if they're custom-made-but there are many affordable alternatives on Amazon and other online retailers that still provide great quality while saving money on replacement costs over time.
Insulate your home with Spray Foam Insulation
Insulation is the best way to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several types of insulation you can add to your walls, floors, and ceilings.
One option for insulating an attic space would be spray foam insulation-a highly effective method that bursts onto surfaces like raindrops on hot asphalt parking lots (to borrow from another random metaphor). Spray foam insulation prevents energy loss from your home, which means that you can save money by reducing your energy bills.
Spray foam insulation is an excellent way to help lower heating bills.
Spray Foam Insulation is sprayed directly onto surfaces in sheets, creating an airtight seal that prevents outside moisture from seeping into your attic space or other areas like crawl spaces under homes where there's less ventilation available due to their location beneath another structure such as an attached garage/carport combo unit
Weatherstrip your doors and windows.
Weatherstripping is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss. It's easy to install, too: you can purchase weatherstripping kits at your local hardware store-they're usually just a roll of foam and some tape you cut and stick around the edges of doors and windows. You can also make your own DIY version by using duct tape or foam on windows and doors. If you're feeling especially crafty, try making a custom seal out of an old tube sock with additional layers inside-you'll get extra insulation!
Some people think that only sliding glass doors need to be sealed, but that's not true! Weatherstripping works well for regular doors as well; they just require slightly more attention because they need multiple pieces placed along their main moving parts (the door itself).
Conclusion
If you're looking for ways to lower your heating bill, consider jumping on the bandwagon of adopting a few energy-efficient habits this winter. These tips are easy and effortless, but getting the most out of them will result in some serious savings for you-and a happier planet to boot.