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Did the first utility bill of winter knock you over? Taking steps to improve your home's energy efficiency can make a big difference in your winter heating bills.
Chiming in on the issue is Sofia Vyshnevska, a housing expert and a co-founder at Jome (formerly NewHomesMate), a marketplace for new construction homes. On a mission to help homeowners, she's sharing 5 not-so-obvious ways to save money on energy bills during the winter months (psst, they'll work in your favor when you turn on the air conditioning next summer, too). Follow along, because these 5 tips will help you keep your home warm—without breaking the bank.
1. Understand the Physics of Hot Air
- Let the hot air rise. Hot air naturally rises, while cold air sinks. If you only heat the bedrooms on the higher floor, you'll spend most of your day downstairs in the cold or pay a small fortune to heat every room. Instead, place a single space heater on the first floor and let the warm air rise.
- Create an updraft with a ceiling fan. Use ceiling fans to your advantage. During the winter, set them to spin clockwise and create an updraft that circulates your warm air. You'll notice air movement, but not in the way that cools you off.
2. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Have you ever noticed that your weather app shows two temperatures: what it is and what it feels like? That’s because dry air requires less energy to heat, so in a dry climate, a lower temperature is perceived as warmer. Thankfully, you don’t have to move to the desert to cut your utility bills — just get a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air in your home, making it feel warmer and more comfortable when the temperature drops. Not only will you save on heating, but dehumidifiers also prevent issues such as mold and condensation, so you won’t have to spend money treating your walls after a winter with the heat on and windows shut. If the dry air is bothersome, keep a small humidifier next to your bed. It can treat your room without affecting the entire house.
3. Make your Windows Energy Efficient
- Drafty windows are a major source of energy waste. Cover drafty windows with an insulating barrier of heat-shrinking plastic window film, which traps the warm air in and keeps the cold air out.
- Cover the windows with some bubble wrap. It serves as a cheap layer of insulation that’s easy to remove once the weather warms up.
- Finally, wrap it up with interior window coverings such as shutters or heavy window curtains. Remember to close the blinds at night (but make sure to throw them open during the day to let the sunlight in, which naturally warms your home).
4. Rearrange Your Furniture
Furniture, such as sofas and bookshelves, act as insulation when placed against exterior walls. They create a protective barrier that prevents warm air from escaping during the cold months. Plus, opening up the center of your room will allow for better airflow, making it easier to cool once summer rolls around.
It’s a simple, free solution that offers both comfort and cost savings by minimizing the workload on your heating and cooling systems, and, subsequently, on your bank account.
5. Plug the Gaps and Holes
- Inspect your doors and windows and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or window caulk. Use sweeps and draft stoppers to reduce energy loss around big gaps.
- Insulate your electrical outlets and switches. For a few bucks, draft guards—small insulating pads that you can place behind outlets and switches on exterior walls—can stop the cold air from creeping in. While the impact of each outlet or switch may be small, they can collectively cost you a fortune in lost heat over time.
Other Ways to Save Money on Heating
- Perform an annual energy audit. A professional energy assessment can help you identify air leaks and make recommendations to improve insulation.
- Install smart devices, like smart thermostats. Beyond your ordinary programmable thermostat, smart home devices makes it easier to manage your energy costs.
- Improve attic insulation (as well as rim joist and crawl space insulation, too).
- Cover your windows. Insulating drapes and blinds help your home by trapping warm air indoors during the winter, and shielding the home from the hot sun during the summer. Looking for smart shades? Brands including SmartWings, GE Lighting, and Graber have fine-tuned technical integrations to motorize and automate your home's window coverings.
- Invest in geothermal. New state programs and leasing options continue to make geothermal a popular option for homeowners.
- Make energy-efficient appliance and home system upgrades. Energy Star windows, HVAC units, LED light bulbs, and appliances will save you money year-round.
- Maintain your HVAC system to make sure it's working at optimal efficiency. You may need to swap air filters or schedule an inspection.
- Insulate your hot water heater and water pipes. Pipe insulation is always a good idea.
FAQ
Does lowering the thermostat at night really save money?
For sure it does. Your heating system runs less when the temperature is lower. Even a small drop helps. Don't believe me? Try lowering it 5-10 degrees while sleeping. Use extra blankets and wear warmer jammies. Program a smart thermostat to begin increasing the heat before your alarm goes off, and you might not even notice that the house was cooler.
Are space heaters expensive to run?
It depends on how you use them. They're good for heating one room at a time, and it's definitely less expensive than heating the whole house. But you'll need to remember to turn them off when you leave a room. And, if you're relying on several of them at once, it's probably not worth it.
Can small air leaks really affect my heating bill?
Yes... FIX THEM NOW. Even if they're tiny, those gaps add up over time:
- Cold air sneaks in through cracks.
- Warm air leaks out all day and night
- Your system runs longer to keep up (this can actually cause home systems to fail sooner)
