Winter weather is here, which means your heating bills are going up again—and unless you’re planning to hibernate till spring, you’ll want to keep your place warm without torching your bank account.
First up, show your furnace a little love: get it serviced before it breaks down in protest. Clean filters and sealed ducts? Total game changers for efficiency.
Next, hunt those sneaky drafts. Windows, doors, even outlets—if you feel air, so does your wallet. A little caulk goes a long way. And while you’re at it, hang some thermal curtains; they’re basically sweaters for your windows.
Lower the thermostat a few degrees and pretend you’re being “eco-conscious” instead of just cheap. A smart thermostat can do the adjusting for you, which feels very grown-up. Add a humidifier too—humid air feels warmer, so you can drop the temp without freezing your soul.
And hey, if you’ve got a fireplace, use it. That thing’s not just decorative. Close the flue when you’re done unless you enjoy heating the outdoors. During the day, let the sunshine in; at night, close the blinds and cozy up with socks, a blanket, and maybe a bowl of soup. Bonus: cooking dinner at home warms the kitchen and keeps delivery fees out of your life.
Bottom line? A few small tweaks, and you’ll be snug, smug, and saving money all winter long.
Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash