Paying to heat your home in winter might be one of the least exciting ways to spend your hard earned money. Even in California, home heating costs can add up over the cooler months. There has to be a better way to stay warm without spending tons of money on energy bills. Check out these tips to stay toasty without breaking the bank.
Winterize Your Windows and Doors
Do you have cracks or holes in your windows or frames? These could be letting in tons of cold air while letting your heat slip out. Caulk any open areas to keep that heat you’re paying for inside!
Having heavy blackout curtains can also help to trap cold air close to the windows and away from the rest of your home. Open the curtains in the daytime when the California sun shines though – that added light will provide a little warmth. At night, keep them closed to stay warm.
Lots of cold air can also come through under your doors. The fix? Draft-stoppers. You can find these at most home-improvement stores, or make your own. For a really quick fix, roll up a towel and block the draft.
Flip Your Fan
Your ceiling fans are not just for hot summer days! Reverse the direction of your fan so that it runs clockwise. This will push hot air lingering at the ceiling down to warm the rest of your home. You’ll make much better use of the warm air in your home, allowing you to keep your thermostat setting lower and your bills lower as well.
Better Bedding
Having good quality, heat-trapping blankets can make a huge difference in how often you need to bump up the thermostat. Look for heavy, thick blankets, or even consider using a sleeping bag (which is meant to trap heat) when lounging around the home. Invest in an electric blanket for a toasty, luxurious experience that will save you money down the road.
Create Coziness
Floor rugs are also a great way to cozy-up your home in winter. Not only are they comfortable for cold feet, but the rugs will block icy tiles or other hard flooring and insulate the home.
Make sure to have something on your feet at all times when you are at home – whether it’s your favorite pair of slippers or simply a thick pair of socks, keeping your feet warm will keep your entire body warmer and healthier in winter.
Carry around a hot water bottle to place on your hands, stomach, or low back for a quick warm-up without touching the thermostat. Grab a cup of warm tea as well, this will not only help you relax but will also warm you up from the inside out.
Embrace the California Winter
While California is not always known for harsh and stormy winters, our homes can still get quite cold this time of year. Energy prices are rising and there are much better things to spend your money on than soaring utility bills! Start using these easy fixes today to lower your bills and warm up to winter.
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