Frankly, it is hard to believe that it’s already October. Where has this year gone? Before you know it, we’ll all be putting up our Christmas lights and getting started with our holiday shopping! But until that time, we will be busy with a different household project – namely, preparing the house for those cold winter nights.
If you’re anything like me, you want your home to be an energy-efficient as possible. Not only is this great for the environment (always a plus), an energy-efficient home is also going to be a cost-effective home. No one likes watching their electric bill climb as the winter months go on! This is why investing your time in some energy-saving, house-warming hacks can be hugely beneficial during the holiday season. It doesn’t take long, it’s inexpensive to do, and you won’t believe the savings you’ll see (savings that could mean an extra special holiday splurge)!
Start With The Thermostat
When the cold settles in, most of us head straight for the thermostat and crank it up. While this may heat up the house and keep you cozy, it will also put some heavy costs on your monthly electric bill. In fact, the cost of heating your home can account for half of your electricity costs in wintertime – but it doesn’t have to.
Did you know that every degree you lower your thermostat accounts for a five percent savings on your bill? Keeping your house around 68 degrees fahrenheit is optimal in the winter; it will keep you sufficiently warm without using too much electricity.
Also, if you have a thermostat with a timer, use it. Program your thermostat to cool down even more during work hours or when you’re asleep so that the temperature is at its most efficient when you really need it. This is especially true if you travel during the holidays, as you can drop the temperature even further (This Old House suggests going as low as 55 degrees) and keep your house’s efficiency levels up while you’re away.
Other Tips For Keeping Warm
Do you have a doggie door? What about a mailbox slot in your front door? These are classic examples of potential entry points for cold winter breezes. Take some time and feel around your windows, doors, and electrical outlets for cracks or gaps where air might sneak in. Once you find them, don’t worry! There are plenty of DIY fixes that will have you keeping the cold air out in no time.
Before you know it, you and your loved ones will be celebrating the holidays in the warmth and comfort of your home. And with these simple suggestions, you’ll have the peace of mind that the warm fuzzies you feel won’t mean a stone cold killer bill from the electric company.
I have put new weather stripping around the door and some windows. I makes a huge difference and I don’t have to put the thermostat up as high as usual.
Lately when I come downstairs in the morning, I find that the heat is or has been on. It’s cold at night, with frost a couple of times already. Blech. A couple of weeks ago I put some weather stripping around the door, which helps a lot. Thanks for this reminder to keep the thermostat down. Maybe I can keep that heat from coming on in the morning if I turn it down a few degrees.
We keep ours closer to 64 than 68. We also use a small heater in an area we are in when it gets too cold. Actually you can set the temp as low as 50, as long as it isnt super cold out (meaning below freezing) and if your pipes are well insulated. If it is in the negatives, below 50 and your pipes can and will freeze.
I have a programmable thermostat and have it set to lower the temps. I also wear layers.
Thanks for the great tips for keeping heating costs down this winter. We need to start my taking it easy on the thermostat. Have a nice day and keep warm. The weather sure is changing fast here.