Tips to Save on an Electric Heating Bill
In climates that create harsh winter conditions, staying warm and keeping the heating bill low is a delicate process. Fortunately for those who have a tight wallet as well as a cold-blooded nature, energy-savvy homeowners do not have to choose between one or the other. With a little work, staying warm this winter may cost you less than ever before.
Other People Are Reading
-
Wear Socks
-
Your feet are often one of the first locations on your body to feel the effects of a cold environment. It's difficult for the rest of you to feel comfortable if your feet could pass for two blocks of ice. Cover your vulnerable feet with socks to lessen the bite of the cold, and your whole body will benefit as a result. If you aren't accustomed to wearing socks, this process may take some getting used to, but a lowered heating bill is well worth it.
Generate Heat In Other Ways
-
If you feel your body temperature lowering, don't automatically resort to cranking up the thermostat. There are always activities that help keep you warm around the house. Take a shower, for instance, and leave the door open so the stream gets a chance to spread through the house. Avoid using a ventilation fan in the bathroom, as this only eliminates the steam. Other options include cooking a meal over the stove or in the oven, or going for a jog on your treadmill.
-
Lock Windows
-
Lock all the windows in your house are tightly. This ensures all the warmth in the air remains sealed inside the house. Similarly, this also keeps outside cold air from getting in and lowering the temperature inside the house. Take advantage of every possible step to better insulate your house.
Lower Your Thermostat
-
Reducing your thermostat by even one degree is enough to lower your monthly heating bill by three percent, according to Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments. This difference in heat is not easily noticed by even the most temperature conscious residents in the house. In the event you refuse to accept any decrease in heating temperature, consider dropping your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during any part of the day when the house is empty, such as when you are at work. Purchasing a programmable thermostat makes this task simple and convenient.
Get An Inspection
-
It pays to have your home audited by an energy expert at the onset of the winter season. A professional is likely to discover leaks and cracks you would not have noticed on your own, providing solutions that allow you to stay warm at a lesser cost to you. Your local electric company may even send out an employee to check out your home for free if you request an inspection.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
