Believe it or not, these tips came from a bank e-mail newsletter. I thought they were useful, and who doesn't want to save some money?
- Replacing or cleaning old furnace filters can reduce dust and save 5% in heating costs.
- Opening up drapes and blinds on windows with a southern exposure lets the sun in, heating your home for free.
- Fireplaces pull heated air out of your house so use it sparingly and be sure the damper is closed when it's not in use.
- Moister air feels warmer, so by using a humidifier, you can set your thermostat lower to help you save money.
- If you want to know if your doors have air leaks, there is an easy way to do it yourself--no expert needed. Simply place a piece of paper between the door and frame and shut the door. If you can pull the paper out without tearing it, you should weather-strip around the door.
Here are some money-saving tips that I have learned from living in Chicago, which gets very cold in the winter.
- Always wear socks on your feet, especially if you have tile or hardwood floors. Cold feet make you feel colder.
- Put lots of blankets on the bed. You are going to be asleep anyway, so why not pile on the blankets and turn the thermostat down.
- Wear a robe/sweater around the house. You wear more clothes outside when it is cold, so why not add an extra layer of warmth inside too.
- Drink lots of warm beverages--hot cider, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, warm milk. Keeping your insides warm will help you feel warmer.
- If you live in an apartment, put plastic over your windows to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
- Live in an apartment/house that is just the right size for you. If you don't have a lot of empty space, your home will feel warmer with less heat.
- Get an apartment with radiator heat. You will not be paying an enormous gas bill in the winter.
