One of the greatest costs in the winter is home heating. To keep these costs down was skyrocketing, address some key areas of your home. You’ll need to make sure your home is properly insulated and airtight. Leaks around doors and windows can cost you a fortune over the winter, so seal these leaks or consider replacing older windows and doors. Add weather stripping to doors and put a heavy plastic over your windows.
Adjust your thermostat to conserve heat. It is said that for every degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save 3% on your heating bill. This could be a significant amount, so put on a sweater and turn down the heat. While you’re at it, turn down your hot water heater as well.
There are some even simpler ways to reduce heat loss around the home. Turn off exhaust fans immediately after use. Replace or clean the filters on you furnace or heating vents. Consider covering your hot water heater with an insulated blanket to keep it warm and reduce the energy needed to heat your water. There are dozens of other small fixes that can be done around the home. Take a look around and get creative.
Shop for warm winter clothing out of season to save a few dollars. Purchase items such as warm sweaters, thermal underwear, fleece blankets, cozy socks, and slippers. You can wear or use these items in your own home, allowing you to stay warm without having to resort to turning up the thermostat or breaking out the space heaters. If you do need some extra heat and you have a fireplace, light the fire and let it supply some of your heat.
Use food to keep warm as well. You have to eat, so gear your meals toward staying warm. Try casseroles, soups, stews, and broths. They’re cheap and easy to make, so you’ll save money on the preparation as well.
Also, eat two or three oranges every day. This doesn’t necessarily sound like a way to save money, but upon reflection, it may very well save you hundreds of dollars over the winter season. One of the greatest household costs from the onset of winter until spring thaw is medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, to treat various colds and flus. Vitamin C will help to prevent illness, but you’ll need to take other measures as well. Remember to wash your hands frequently and change your bed linens after you’ve been ill. Also, if the temperature in your home is so high that you’re sweating, turn down the thermostat. Going out into the cold while you’re drenched in sweat is a pretty good way to become ill, so dry off before going outside.
There are many other ways in which you can lower the costs of the winter season. Try them all to see what works for your family, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Your wallet will thank you for it later.
