To say that winter can be expensive is an understatement. With warm sweaters to buy, heat to turn on and winter boots to wear I think it’s safe to say we are all looking for ways to cut costs this winter. We can purchase our warm sweaters and winter apparel on sale, but what about our heating costs?
I don’t know about you but during the cold winter months of December, January, February and March our heating bill is our biggest expense every month – other than rent and food. I would like that to stop. Don’t get me wrong I love staying all warm and cozy during the winter, but I’d rather not pay a fortune to do so.
Here are five ways to cut your heating costs during the cold months:
Plastify your windows to keep cold air out
Did you know that you can buy a giant piece of plastic to cover windows in the winter? I didn’t, but now I do. When BF and I complained to our landlord that there was cold air leaking in through our windows they came to install a giant piece of plastic over our bay window that keeps warm air in and cold air out. You can get plastic sheets easily from places like Simply Plastics.
Keep your fireplace closed when not in use
Just as a chimney lets smoke out during a warm winter fire it also lets cold air in when it’s not in use. Keep your chimney closed when you’re not roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Using your wood burning fireplace is another great way to keep your home warm and lower your heating costs.
Always dress appropriately
There is no point in turning up your thermostat if you’re going to walk around barefoot and in a t-shirt. During the cold winter months wear socks, slippers, long pants and warm sweaters. It will help you warm up and keep heating costs down.
Keep your doors closed in all rooms
It takes more energy to heat one big room than it does several smaller ones. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep the doors in each room closed. Not only does it take less effort on the part of your heater – which is environmently friendly – but it also helps the rooms warm up faster.
The less your heater has to work the more money you’ll save. I increase my thermostat by two degrees at a time, it really helps keep heating costs down.
Look into curtains that insulate
Canadian Living says that keeping your curtains and blinds closed helps act as an insulator. I have old leaky windows where cold air is always seeping in so I can absolutely agree. You can take an additional step and buy heavy duty curtains.
When BF and I moved into this apartment last October we spent a few extra bucks ($200 to be exact) and purchased black out curtains. The front still looks decorative like regular curtains and they have a thick layer of plastic on the back which acts as a protector to stop cold air. Money well spent.
Nice article with some good tips. I think the best tip there is to dress appropriately. If you wear long johns and sweatpants you can be more than comfortable while keeping the thermostat down a bit 🙂
Me too Money Saver. I really love getting all comfy in my pjs and socks and getting under the covers to watch movies. Being cold sucks and I try to avoid it at all costs.