The heating season is almost here. Although the colder months translate to higher utility bills, this coming winter doesn’t have to be a season of waste.

By preparing your home for the winter weather, taking advantage of alternative heat sources, and investing in technologies that help save money on your energy bills like smart thermostats, you can have an energy-efficient home and keep it warm and comfortable.

Keeping heat inside the home

Heating accounts for approximately one-third of a household’s energy expenses. Find alternative ways to keep your home warm without relying solely on the furnace.

• Block the drafts – check your entire house and apply blankets or towels to seal off doorjambs. Purchase some new weather stripping. Close doors to any unoccupied rooms and close the flue on the chimney to keep the cold air in those rooms.
• Seal the windows – check the windows for any cracks in the frame. If needed, apply caulk or self-adhesive foam strips to form a seal. Applying plastic wrap on the glass will also help trap cold air.
• Insulate the basement – the heat in the basement naturally rises to escape. Make sure that the windows and walls are properly insulated. Often, the most efficient solution is rolls of fiberglass insulation.
• Let the sunshine in – make the most of the free heat during sunny days. Shut your curtains when it gets dark to keep the warmth inside the home.

Use secondary heating sources

Using alternative heating sources like wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or electric blankets will help create comfortable heat for a fraction of the cost. However, it’s also essential for you to take the necessary safety precautions when using them.

• Fireplaces can provide an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable space in the home. It needs regular professional maintenance, including an annual chimney cleaning and inspection. This will help prevent fires and the leaking of dangerous gases in your home.
• Wood burning stoves are still being used as efficient, less expensive supplemental heat sources in a lot of cabins and homes. Similar to fireplaces, wood-burning stoves require annual cleaning and inspection.
• Using electric blankets in multiple rooms are more cost-effective than turning up the thermostat.

Investing in a smart thermostat is also a wise and cost-effective means to save energy. You can use your smartphone to adjust the settings from anywhere and adjust the times you turn on your heating based on a schedule.

When it comes to keeping your home warm and saving money on your energy bills in the colder months, always observe proper safety precautions. These energy-saving tips can help keep your home more comfortable as temperatures drop.