Home heating accounts for almost 30% of a homes energy bill. A few small home improvements as well as a few warmth tips can save you a considerable amount on your heating bills this winter.
To keep your home warm in winter, block drafts with weatherstripping and door snakes, use curtains strategically (open sunny days, close at night), reverse ceiling fans to circulate warm air down, add rugs for insulation, and seal leaks in windows, doors, and ductwork, plus consider insulating attics and using radiator foil for heat reflection, all while using your heating system efficiently with programmable thermostats.
Seal & Insulate
• Block Drafts: Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows, use door snakes (draft stoppers) at the bottom of doors, and seal cracks with caulk.
• Insulate Windows: Use heavy curtains, thermal liners, or even plastic sheeting to cover windows and reduce heat loss.
• Seal Ductwork: Seal leaky HVAC ducts with mastic or HVAC tape to stop heat loss before it reaches rooms.
Use Heat Strategically
• Harness Sunlight: Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let solar heat in, then close them as soon as the sun sets.
• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise (on low speed) to push warm air near the ceiling back down into the room.
• Clear Vents & Radiators: Move furniture away from vents and radiators so warm air can circulate freely.
Manage Your Heating & Spaces
• Smart Thermostat: Install a programmable or smart thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away.
• Do not close doors to rooms you aren’t occupying. This may force your heater to work overtime by causing pressure issues and lead to damage.
• Use Timers: Set heating to come on just before you wake up or get home.
• Add Rugs: Area rugs add insulation and make floors feel warmer underfoot. Plus, rugs are a great way to change the feel of a room.
• Wear Layers: Dress in warm clothing, socks, and slippers.
• Don’t use electric space heaters. They are extremely inefficient. Use a radiant portable heater if necessary.
