How to Reduce Heating Costs in Winter

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

It can be challenging to keep your house warm during the cold of winter. The United States Energy Information Administration estimates that heating and cooling costs make up over 50% of a homeowner’s utility bill, on average. To diminish the chills in temperature and warm up your wallet, let’s explore ways you can reduce heating costs this winter.

Circulation

Heat tends to rise, but heat also naturally flows toward cold air. Open and unused fireplaces can cause major heat loss. Cold, blustery winter winds can travel through your chimney and into your home. High-quality glass doors for your fireplace and a sealed flue can help reduce energy loss.

Having obstructions in front of radiators and heating vents can prevent air from circulating around a room. Thinking about how objects and furniture are placed in a space can help you recognize what areas in your home require more flow and circulation.

Insulation

Experts agree that 25% of a home’s heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home. Insulating your attic is a great first step, but you shouldn’t stop there. Experts recommend ensuring the weather-stripping doors and windows to prevent air leaks, thick curtains can also reduce windy impacts.

The EPA estimates that air sealing and proper insulation can help reduce your monthly heating bill by 15%.

Smart Appliances

Sometimes, a home’s original HVAC system or appliances just aren’t cut out for modern temperature fluctuations. Updating a home’s heating and cooling system and installing a smart, programmable thermostat can help you manage your interior temperatures without constant adjustments. Instead, a programmable thermostat can be set to a schedule to ensure you’re heating your home when it matters most.

Keep Your Home at Its Best

By upgrading your home with efficiency in mind, you’re ensuring your home performs at its best for years to come! When you make eligible improvements to your home and use an Energy Efficient Mortgage from Homestead Funding, you’re setting yourself up for environmental and economic success! Contact us to find out if an Energy Efficient Mortgage is right for you!