1. Reduce Air Leaks
You can save at least 10 percent on your energy bill by simply reducing air leaks in your home. Air can seep through door and window frames, electrical outlets, and water and furnace flues. The question is, how can you find these invisible leaks? Here's a trick: Light a stick of incense next to common sources of air leaks. (Make sure it's a windy day.) If the smoke travels horizontally, you have a leak. You can seal the leak with caulking or weather stripping. Another inexpensive option that will trap air and save energy is a clear-film window kit.
2. Save Heating Costs in Unused Rooms
Shut out winter by simply closing the unused doors in your home and shutting the vents in unused rooms, so you limit the amount of space that requires heating.
3. Put a Lid on Energy Loss
Your attic is to your house as your head is to your body — a significant amount of heat escapes through it. Having the proper amount of insulation in your attic is crucial in cold-weather months. If there is less than 6 to 7 inches of insulation, then you probably need more.
4. Enjoy the Sun Indoors
Even during winter months, the sun is still shining. Take advantage of the natural warmth of the sun's rays by leaving the curtains open or shades up during the day. Trap some of that heat and enjoy the natural sunlight indoors.
5. Turn Down the Heat
If the heat is on but nobody's home, it's a waste of energy. Reducing the temperature from 72 to 56 degrees for eight hours a day, while you're at work or even while you sleep, can help you save a lot of money. You can even invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers and raises the temperature for you during programmed hours. You can find these thermostats at local home improvement stores, with prices ranging from approximately $35 to $100.
6. Keep Yourself Warm
If you're not one to turn the thermostat up past 65 degrees in winter — or maybe your spouse isn't — there are certainly plenty of ways to keep warm besides traditional heat:
- Indulge in flannel pajamas and sheets. They'll trap heat better than summer cotton.
- Warm your blanket before sleeping by wrapping it around a hot water bottle.
- Place a hot water bottle beneath your pillow. By the time you go to bed, the pillow will be warm for you.
- Exercise is not only great for shedding that winter weight, but it also increases blood flow and releases your natural body heat.
