4 Tips For Lowering Your Heating Bill This Winter
Winter is right around the corner, and the high heating bills are right behind it. Keeping a house comfortable during the frigid winter months can be quite expensive, especially if you live in a climate that has experienced extremely cold temperatures. Making a few changes now can save you a lot of money on your heating bill this winter and for many years to come. Use the following tips to make your home more energy efficient in the winter months:
Replace Old Windows
Old windows can play a big role in the high cost of heating your home, as old windows typically do not provide good insulation. Windows that are very old may also have miniscule cracks around the casings that let the cold air seep into your home. It is an especially good idea to get replacement windows if you have single pane windows; look for double pane energy efficient windows when having new windows installed in your home. Replacing your windows requires an initial investment upfront, but you will recoup 72.9% to 78.8% of what you spend when you sell your house, and your new windows will provide energy savings for many years.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is affordable, and can make a huge difference in your monthly heating bill. When you have a programmable thermostat you can keep the house cooler when no one is there, but program it to begin heating the house just before you get home. This way you won't be spending money to heat an empty house, and you won't have to deal with waiting for your house to warm up once you get home.
Inspect Your Attic
Many homeowners neglect to go up in to their attic, but inspecting it in the fall can help keep your heating bills lower in the winter. Examine the roof of the attic to look for cracks or small openings that let outside air in; if any are found have them repaired before the weather gets cold. Your attic may also benefit from additional insulation of a higher grade which will help maintain the temperature of your usable living space and keep the air temperature comfortable.
Upgrade Weatherstripping Around Doors
Just like old windows, the doors in your home can allow cold air to seep in. You can prevent this by upgrading the weatherstripping around all of the doors that lead outside, and ensure that you can't see any light coming in around the door when it is closed.