How to Save Money on Home Heating Costs
Simple Ways to Spend Less on Heat During the Winter in Cold Climates
Nov 21, 2008
There's lots of things to enjoy about living in a cold climate. There's the natural beauty of a snow storm and unexpected school snow days. And there's also lots of fun winter activities and sports, like ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. But the cold also brings a few disadvantages: namely, increased home heating costs.
Home heating costs can be financially draining for people who live in a climate with cold winters, especially during times of economic downturn. The average homeowner in New England will spend hundreds - even thousands - of dollars on home heating costs each winter.
But fortunately, there are some easy ways to reduce home energy consumption and to save on heating costs during the cold and snowy winter months. The following small money-saving home projects and other methods to reduce heating costs at home will cost little or no money out of pocket, but the return on home heating savings will be significant, especially over time.
Simple Home Improvements to Save Money on Home Heating Costs
There are a number of simple home improvements that will save money on heating costs throughout the winter. The following measures will help to keep cold air out and keep warm air in, leading to lower utility bills and savings on home heating oil.
- Close all storm windows.
- Remove all air conditioners.
- Use caulking to seal drafts around window frames.
- Install weather stripping in windows and doors.
- Use draft blockers or "door snakes" (a tube of fabric filled with sand) at the bottom of drafty doors.
- Install storm doors over exterior doors to help cut down on drafts.
- Get oil burners and furnaces serviced every fall, before the cold winter weather arrives to prevent costly (and cold!) break down's and repairs.
- Hire a chimney sweep to maintain a home's chimneys each season to avoid chimney fires and costly repairs.
- Install insulation in the basement ceiling, to prevent seepage of cold air up through the floor.
- Keep the home humid with humidifiers. Humidifiers will prevent dry winter air from developing inside the home and humid air feels warmer. Opt for a large humidifier with a warm air output.
- Wear a sweater, sweatshirt and sweatpants and other warm clothing while at home; avoid tank tops, short sleeve shirts, etc. - they'll make the home feel colder.
- Keep doors closed to guest rooms and other rooms that are not frequently used.
Home Heating Assistance Programs Help Homeowners in a Bad Economy
Even with these easy methods to help save money and spend less to heat a home, hard economic times mean that some residents may still be unable to make ends meet this winter.
If high home heating costs are financially crippling, consider enrolling in a local winter fuel assistance program that will help residents pay for home heating costs. Many states and provinces offer home heating assistance programs to eligible residents in need of help during the cold winter months.
More Tips to Save Money on Bills and Utilities
For a list of easy and inexpensive home improvement projects that will help residents to reduce home heating costs, read Home Improvement Projects to Save Money on Home Heating.
Residents may also enjoy How to Save Money on Utility Bills for advice on how to save money on electric bills, water bills, and home heating costs.
Looking for more ways to save money? Check out How to Save Money on Groceries for some easy grocery shopping tips that will help reduce food bills.
