As the winter season approaches, the days grow shorter, and the temperatures turn colder. However, this shift in weather shouldn’t force you to experience an increase in your heating expenses. By applying these five simple tips, you can keep your house warm without compromising your budget.

You can complete these pointers at any time of year, but it’s best to get started early so you can enjoy the perks all-season long.

1. Install Insulation

Insulating your walls will help to keep the cold air out and the heat indoors. Think of it like an insulated drink mug — the internal temperature stays the same for hours without being reheated. Installing insulation is an investment because it also helps maintain your home’s temperature in the summertime.

You can complete this renovation yourself or hire a professional. Keep in mind other regions of your property that could be losing precious heat. Insulating basements and attic spaces will also help to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

2. Close Air Leaks

Cracks around doors and windows allow cold air to enter, which causes your heating system to work overtime to maintain a constant temperature indoors. Caulking and sealing these gaps will help to solve the problem. In some cases, it may be difficult to tell where the air is leaking from, which makes sealing much more challenging.

A solution is to conduct a DIY building-pressurization test. This is an easy way to run an at-home energy audit on a budget because it only requires a stick of incense and a lighter. On a windy day, simply turn off combustion appliances and exhaust fans. After closing all the doors and windows, light the incense and walk around your home. When you near a crack, the smoke from the incense will waver, alerting you to an air leak.

3. Insulate Plumbing

You might not think much about your plumbing, but heating your water during the wintertime requires a substantial amount of energy, especially if the heat is escaping. Insulate your pipes and ensure they are kept warm to minimize the risk of them freezing. A frozen pipe can lead to cracks and bursts, which are costly to repair.

4. Inspect Garage Doors

A tight garage door seal significantly impacts your yearly utility bills, especially during the colder months. Weatherproofing your garage doors will help to prepare them for the winter season and reduce the locations where your hot air could escape. 

Pay close attention to garage insulation and cracks. Weatherstripping is one way to increase the efficiency of your garage doors. Also, inspect the metal components because the colder temperatures can cause the material to contract and potentially become brittle. If this happens, the mechanics may perform poorly or even break.

5. Schedule a Service Visit

Maintain your heating and cooling systems by scheduling yearly service inspections. This ensures your appliances are running at maximum efficiency. Aim to replace furnace and heat pump filters once a month and regularly clean the vent flue if you have a wood or pellet-burning heater. 

Keep Cozy in the Winter

These five tips will help you to keep your house warm and your heating bills down. Remember, the easiest way to remain cozy without compromising on cost is to close off rooms you aren’t actively using and bundle-up. Finding the lowest temperature that’s comfortable will allow you only to use the heating when necessary. Keep in mind that portable heaters are a quick and straightforward method of boosting the room temperature without heating the entire house. 

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison