Soon the winter weather will be arriving to Canada again. A lot of money saving tips out to get the homes ready just are not practical, I mean they’re great for long term use but not for money savings now.
Here are some frugal ways to stay warm this coming winter and cut down on some of the cost:
Block drafts. This is best done with weather-stripping or other forms of insulation around window and doors , but even a blanket in front of a door, or in between the screen door and the inside door will help and reduce some of the heat loss.
Insulate your water heater. There are some ‘water heater blankets’ available on the market but it really won’t take much to make one.
Install a programmable thermostat. They’re easy to install and an excellent way to cut down on the heating cost. It’s easy to justify the cost of a new programmable thermostat which averages around the 30-35 dollars. They can be set low at night and when away from home during the day. If you reduce your house temperature from 70 degrees to 60 degrees for only 8 hours each day you can reduce your heating load by 10%. On average using a programmable thermostat can save you anywhere from 150 to 175 dollars per heating season.
Use space heaters. This is the single best way to save money off the heating bill. For example, if you’re planning of watching TV for a couple of hours the whole house doesn’t need to be at full heat too. This winter try an oil-filled radiator-style space heater, they do an excellent job at giving extra heat in a single room. They take a while to get warm, but once they’re going they can heat a small space really a cost effectively and cheaply.  It’s localized warmth.
Bundle up in cold-weather clothes. Long under-roos, an extra sweater and don’t forget, socks and slippers go a long way to keeping you warm.
Use rugs on bare floors. Carpet remnants are available quite cheaply.
Use an electric blanket. There’s no need to heat the entire house when you’re asleep. An electric blanket is cheap and cozy . Using one will cost less then a dime per night.
Change the furnace filter. A dirty filter decreases the efficiency and increases the heating costs because it forces the furnace to work harder. Change the furnace filter at the start of the winter season, and once every month after.Â
Why heat unused rooms? This winter, close off unused rooms such as guest bedrooms and shut the heater vents. If they’re not used there’s no reason to keep them warm. If possible also hang a blanket or curtain on the inside of the guest bedrooms door and also roll one up to put at the bottom of the door to prevent drafts from leaking through.
These steps can reduce some of heating costs immediately. As each home has individual needs and circumstances try not to leave the preparations for when it’s too cold and uncomfortable. However, obviously it’s the long term plans that need to be implemented to make sure the home is properly insulated.
Here are some more great tips on cost-effective home heating solutions.
