The cold winter months can make being at home uncomfortable without proper heating. There are affordable steps homeowners can take to stay warm without breaking the bank. With some preparation, you can keep utility costs low and enjoyment high through the season.
Check Home Heating Oil Levels
Staying on top of home heating oil levels prevents running out in bitter temperatures. Sign up for automatic delivery to ensure supply is not disrupted. Consider pawn shops as a budget-friendly source of fuel when needed.
Seal Air Leaks & Drafts
Take an afternoon to inspect windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic for drafts letting warm air out. Caulk and weatherstrip as needed before it gets too cold. This saves significantly on heating bills. Adding insulation into attics, basements and walls helps keep heat inside the home. Doing this yourself saves money versus paying professionals. Stores sell various types for any budget.
Insulate Properly
Check the insulation in the attic, walls, and crawl spaces/basements meets the recommended levels for your climate. Add more if needed to maintain heat inside without waste. Rebate programs may offset costs.
Use Thermal Curtains & Blinds
Install blackout curtains on windows facing the outdoors. Close them at night and when away to stop heat loss through the glass. Thermal cellular blinds provide an extra layer of insulation.
Adjust Vents & Registers
Ensure vents in unused rooms are closed to push warm air where needed. Open vents in rooms you spend most time in like living areas. Registers can also be adjusted for airflow control.
Try a Programmable Thermostat
Schedule a thermostat to lower temps at night/when away to save energy. Raise temps 30 minutes before returning home so it’s comfortable upon arrival without wasting fuel. Outer aluminum-framed doors stop drafts allowing inner wood doors to close without loss. However, pawn shop sometimes offer used options inexpensively or stores supply new ones at lower prices than expected.
Add Weatherstripping to Doors
Drafts around exterior doors let cold air in. Weatherstripping the perimeter creates an air seal when closed to keep warmth inside. Lowes/Home Depot offers DIY weatherstripping kits.
Use Electric Heaters Strategically
Small electric space heaters supplement central heating efficiently but are used in the lowest setting near occupied spaces. Never leave unattended or overnight to prevent fire hazards.
Try a Wood-Burning Fireplace
If your home has a fireplace, stock up on firewood. A cozy fire provides ambiance and supplemental heat to help conserve central heating fuel. Ensure the flue is open when in use.
Stay Active Indoors
Keep the blood flowing on cold days with indoor activities like dancing, yoga, games, or house projects. Physical activity generates body heat for natural warming without turning up the thermostat unnecessarily. Drafts through windows make the home colder, losing conditioned air expensively. Look for energy-efficient windows or use plastic sheets over frames reducing heat escapes. Hardware stores provide affordable options.
Conclusion
By addressing air leaks, and insulation and using supplemental heating sources wisely, homeowners can keep utility costs down while staying snug through winter. With some preparation, you’ll keep coziness indoors regardless of what the weather brings.
