Winter is here to stay for a few weeks. One downside to this season—especially in Canada—is the need to heat our homes more. The colder the weather gets, the harder your furnace has to work. And, of course, the more our furnace works, the higher our heating bill gets.
Don’t fret though. Here are 10 tricks you can easily implement that’ll help you save money on heating your home:
1. Replace weatherstripping
If the weatherstripping around your doors is cracked or torn or the seal is no longer as tight as it once was, you might be letting in cold air. Tear off all of the weatherstripping around drafty doors, and replace it with new weatherstripping.
2. Fix caulking
If your windows have patchy caulking, they may be another culprit for heat draining drafts. Fix your caulking to create a leak proof seal.
4. Seal electrical boxes
Electrical outlets are some of the worst offenders for letting in cold air because they’re often not insulated properly during construction. An easy fix is to remove the cover, seal any cracks between the boxes and drywall with acrylic latex caulk, install a foam gasket, and replace the cover.
5. Plug holes
Any time pipes, cables, ductwork, or gas lines enter or exit your home, they do so through a hole in the wall. If these holes aren’t sealed properly, you may be letting in cold air. Seal any gaps with expanding foam.
6. Cover windows with plastic film
Some windows have a low R value, meaning they do very little to keep warm air in and cold air out in the winter. Installing plastic film is one way to make up for this. You can buy complete kits from most hardware stores, and they’re simple to install.
7. Get a furnace tuneup
If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your furnace’s filter and had your ductwork cleaned, now may the perfect time to do it. Dust and lint buildup interferes with air flow, making it harder to heat your home. This option will be the most expensive, but it can have a long-term impact.
8. Buy a programmable thermostat
If you’re still using a mercury thermostat, replace it with a programmable one. This will allow you to set a schedule so your home heats when you are there and doesn’t heat when you’re away (or while you’re sleeping). Some models are available for as little as $25.
9. Open up your blinds
If you have windows that face the sun, open up your blinds and curtains during the day. This will allow sunlight in, helping to heat up your home. Be sure to keep any trees properly pruned to allow in the most efficient amount of sunlight.
10. Keep windows and doors locked
Keeping your windows and doors locked not only keeps your home more secure, it often creates a tighter seal to keep out cold air.
There you have it: 10 ways to save money on heating your home. What have you done to save money on heating your home? Let us know in the comments below.