Heating your home all winter long canadd up —fast. But it's also a necessary part of surviving the through the end of March. So to keep your heating bill in check while staying cozy and warm, try these cleverideas:
1. Close upany cracks in your window frame.
Even a tiny one can allow a ton of heat to escape — and chilly winds to come in.Rachel Rothman,technical and engineering director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, recommends usinga flashlight or candleto check for drafts.At night, just have someone stand on the other side of your light source and if you can see it, you shouldcaulk the areato sealthe crack.
2. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan.
If you think your ceiling fan is just for hot, humid days, you're wrong:"By reversing the motor in the winter, so it'sclockwise, the fan creates an updraft that actually pushes warm air near the ceiling back down," saysRothman.This trick will help you feel warmer for longer, meaning you can lower your thermostat and save money (some reports say you could reduce your bill by 10%!).
3. Invest in the best blankets.
To stay toasty warm while you sleep (but keep your heat down to save money) make sure your bedding is up to par. Lexie Sachs, textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says down-filled blankets trapheat and recommends a fill power of 600-plus (check the blanket's label)for the warmest option. Anelectric blanket always does the trick, too – as long as you use it safely.
"Just remember that blankets aren't enough to keep you warm all the time," says Sachs. "The textiles help to trap the heat, but there needs to be heat in the first place to trap!" So blankets will help you go longer before touching the thermostat, but you won't get away with leaving the heat off all the time.
4. Make your curtains work harder.
When the sun is out keep your shades open so the warmth can shine onto the glass and create a slight warming effect on your home, but at night close 'em up to add extra insulation against the cold. You can also use blackout shades with a thermal lining to help save energy. These Royal Velvetcurtains from JCPenney have theGood Housekeeping Seal, and will do the trick.
5. Use draft stoppers on your doors.
Don't let cold air creep through the crack under your door like a stranger in the night. All you need to seal off the chilly breeze is a door stopper. The best part? You can DIY your own that's super cute and complements your home decor.
6. Cover your floors with rugs.
Did you know heat can escape through floor boards? To prevent this, Sachs says to use rugs made of fabric that offers insulation, like wool, to help trap the heat inside. Plus, rugs feel nice and cozy on your feet.
7. Prevent drafts around electric outlets.
If you've ever noticed a slight chill when you go to plug in your smart phone, you're not imagining it. To block that air out, pick up an outlet insulator from your local home improvement store. They're basically foam sheets that you put behind the face plate to block any cold temperatures.
8. Close off rooms you don't use often.
If the only people who spend time in your guest bedroom are, well, guests, don't spend money heating it all winter long — instead close the vents and door ASAP. Sure, that room might be freezing when not in use, but at least you're not wasting money heating it.
9. Install a programmable thermostat.
Most people think lowing your heat all the way when you're not home, then raising it when you return will save energy, but according to Rothman,the energy spent to make up for such drastic changes defeats the purpose of using the lower setting. But nifty programmable devices, like the Nest thermostat,help you heat your home more efficientlyby lowering the temp just a few degrees when you're not home.
10. Check your roof for potential leaks.
If you're missing a shingle up top, you'll pay for it down below. "Rain, snow, and debris can damage your siding," explains Rothman. To make sure cold air isn't infiltrating your home you might want to enlist the help of a professional to make repairs as needed.
Senior Editor
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
