Find out how to save energy in winter and take these smart energy-saving tips and hacks. Keep your home cozy without going broke and learn how to save energy in winter here!
How To Save Energy In Winter And Still Keep Warm
It’s safe to say that winter isn’t exactly the season for frugality. Apart from expenses during the holiday season, the chilly weather tends to cause our electricity bills to rack up like crazy. We can really go to great lengths and will spare no expense for a snuggly and cozy home in winter. Well, this shouldn’t be the case since there are actually practical ways you can keep your home warm without breaking the bank. We can avoid paying extra by being smart about our heating and energy use. Learn how to save energy in winter with these smart tips and tricks here.
1. Adjust Your Temperature
A programmable thermostat can make it easy to keep your house at the recommended temp of 68°F. Your heating costs account for about 50% of your total bill. Set the thermostat down a few degrees when you leave home or go to sleep–this will save you so much in the long run.
2. Lower Water Heating Costs
We all know that surviving winter requires a certain set of skills. Some tips, however, are pretty simple. For instance, you can save energy by turning down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F. Doing so can save you a whole lot over the course of the winter–after all, water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy used in your home.
3. Caulk Away The Cold
Stop throwing money by sealing up leaks all around the house. Air leaks can be found in pipes, chimneys, recessed lights, and spaces behind closets or cupboards. Once you’ve identified leaks, seal them up with caulking. By doing so, you’ll keep the warmth in and the chill-out.
4. Insulate
Check into this insulation tool from the Department of Energy with your zone to know how much insulation your home needs. Here’s one tip that even novice homesteaders can apply. If you have an older tank, especially if it’s located in an unheated area, wrapping it with an insulation blanket is a cheap and easy way to reduce water heating costs. These insulation blankets are cheap and readily available at hardware stores.
5. Light Up With LED
Fairy lights can certainly add cheer to the winter season, but they can also significantly increase your electricity bill. Keep the costs down by using LED, or light-emitting diodes, to decorate your home during the season. You can also use solar-powered lamps for maximum energy-saving.
6. Cozy Furnishing
Redecorate for winter using comfy and cozy furnishings to give you a little bit more of warmth. Take out your quilted sheets and trade your summer cotton blankets for flannel. Make sure to lay rugs on the floor and hang heavy and darker curtains in your window. Make sure to open curtains in the daytime to let the sunshine in then close during nighttime to trap the warmth in.
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7. The Fireplace Damper Trick
There’s nothing better than cozying up to a fire in the cold of winter. But, make sure to keep an eye on your chimney – it can act like an open window when the fireplace is not in use. Be sure the damper is closed after the fire is out so you don’t lose your heated air.
8. Bundle Up
Instead of turning up your heat, how about throwing on your favorite sweater instead? Layering your clothes and getting cozy in blankets are easy ways to save on your heating. The best part is that there’s no pressure to look good–even your embarrassing Christmas sweaters will do the job just fine!
9. Keep Furnace Clean
The furnace is something we tend to forget about, even if it’s so important during the winter. Extend the life and increase the efficiency of your furnace by regularly changing or cleaning its filters. Keeping it in top condition will definitely help in keeping the bills down.
10. Make Use Of The Sun’s Energy
Nothing says money safe in your pocket like a home using free energy source. Harness the energy of the sun and consider installing solar power for your home. Well, you won’t get the discount yet upon installation, but you’ll see the difference in the long run. You can also use the heat of the sun by simply opening curtains to let the warm sun in during the day.
11. Seal Ducts And Clear Vents
Take time to find air leaks in your duct and address the problem outright. You’ll be amazed at how much can be saved by simple dressing your air ducts. While you try to seal leaks in ducts, make sure air vents, on the other hand, are unobstructed if you want to get your money’s worth.
Learn how to insulate radiators in this video from eco home insulation:
There you have it, frugal homesteaders! Tips and tricks on how to save energy in winter. By applying these simple and practical cold weather tips, we can stay on budget while keeping warm and toasty all winter long.
Noy you know how to save energy in winter. Will you give these energy-saving tips a go? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
