Winter is the season where we close all the windows to keep the cold outside where it belongs, as well as the warmth from the furnace inside. However, some folks discover that the cold finds ways to sneak in despite their best efforts.
And while it may be tempting to crank the thermostat up when the temperature drops, that can drive up the heating bill and no one wants that. So, here are some ways you can stay warm while keeping your heating costs down this winter.
No, we don’t mean all the time, just when you’re not at home. Keeping your thermostat around 15C-17C while you’re out during the day (whether it’s work, running errands, or just meeting friends) will help keep your heating bill from going sky high during the cold months.
Turn it up to a comfortable temperature when you get home if you’re set on having the house be that warm. If you’ve got a smart thermostat, set it to increase the temperature just before you get home so it’ll be nice and warm once you get there.
If you’ve got separate thermostats for each room, turn down the ones that are in spaces you don’t use as often, like guest rooms or that downstairs bathroom no one wants to use. Close the door to those areas and let the rest of the house bask in the warmth.
For example, if you work from home and your morning commute is simply moving from the bedroom to the home office, then why not turn down the heat in the bedroom when you’re not in it?
But if you’ve only one thermostat for the whole house, close the vents in the unused rooms instead, which will force heat to the other areas of the home.
You’re always told to wear layers when you go outside in the cold, but it works for being indoors too. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, and socks with your slippers.
Make yourself even cozier with some comfy blankets to sit under while you’re relaxing. Pair that with a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or even soup for maximum warmth.
If you feel a draft around your doors or windows, it’s time to replace the weather stripping or sealant. DIY kits are pretty cheap and will save you money in the long run. You can also find a plastic sheet kit for your windows that work just as well.
Use a towel or find a handmade draught blocker to lay along the bottom of your exterior doors to keep the cold air from making its way inside.
Here’s another tip: for added insulation from the cold, consider switching out your curtains for some heavier drapes.
For more info on this, check out our blog “How to Insulate Your Windows and Door Screens for Winter”.
Not just warm as in it’s right off the stove, but warming in that delicious satisfying way. Soups, stews, and hot drinks with the right spices can make you feel warmer after consuming them, which may encourage you to keep the thermostat down lower.
It may sound counterproductive, but ceiling fans aren’t just for keeping the house cooler in the summer. As you may know, hot air rises, so switching on the fan so the blades turn clockwise will disperse the warm air near the ceiling, forcing the warm air down the walls and into the rest of the room.
Exercise gets the blood pumping and the body’s internal heater going, so don’t just sit idle if you’re feeling cold. Walk around the house, hop onto that treadmill or stationary bike that’s being used to dry laundry and warm up that way. You may even want to turn down the thermostat afterwards!
Staying warm during the winter season will always be a challenge for some, but keeping these tips in mind will help you make it through without seeing a dramatic increase on your heating bill.
Thinking it’s time to update your windows and doors? Consider retractable screens to make your life easier once summer rolls around again. Call Phantom Screens Okanagan at 250-762-7592 to get a quote today.
