by Diane Perez

Created on: August 24, 2009

Winter heating bills can be very expensive, especially if you live in a climate that frequently has sub-freezing temperatures. There are a number of tactics that the homeowner can do to lower the expense of heating the house. Here are tips explaining how to save money on winter heating bills. Combine all of these tips for maximum savings.

1. Install a timer on the thermostat. Keep the temperature at 55 degrees when you are at work all day and when you go to sleep at night. Increase the temperature to 65 degrees during the other times. This will save a significant amount of money regardless of whether you have oil, gas, or electric heat.

2. If a room seems a little chilly to you, use a small space heater to warm it up. Only use the space heater when you are present in the room.

3. Close the flue to the fireplace when it is not in use. The fireplace is a big gaping hole that allows heat to escape up through the flue.

4. Have the heater serviced by a qualified technician before the cold weather sets in. The techs are not rushed in August and September and it is more likely that any parts which are needed will be in stock. Heaters need maintenance every year. This maintenance will ensure optimal operation and lessen the chance of having to live without heat for several days in the winter.

5. Caulk around all windows and seal every small crack and hole. Create an air-tight seal.

6. Install storm windows throughout the house. Glass does not have insulating properties and, in homes with many windows, the heat loss through the glass can be significant. Storm windows have several panes of glass. The air that is trapped between the panes traps some of the heat and lessens the amount of heat loss through the windows. The most efficient storm windows have 5 or more panes of glass. This many panes enables the innermost section of air to be at or near the inside temperature of the home and will reduce your winter heating bills.

7. Put weather stripping on all exterior doors. This will help to trap the heat inside the home.

8. Hang a double layer of curtains. The liner will help to seal the window area. In addition, there will be a layer of air between the draperies and the liner which will help to lessen heat loss.

9. If the attic is not heated, then install a layer of insulation. The attic is just above the heated rooms of the home. Heat is lost through the ceiling since most ceilings are not insulated.

10. If the basement is not heated, then also insulate as much of the area as possible. If the hot water heater is in an unheated basement, then wrap it with an insulation blanket designed for your model.

11. After baking in the oven, open the oven door to allow the heat into the kitchen.

12. Open the curtains on bright, sunny days and take advantage of the warm sunshine. Solar heat is free.

13. If the bathroom has a skylight, make sure that it closes tightly.

14. If you have ceiling fans, put them on reverse cycle to draw heat away from the ceiling and down into the room.

Some of these tips need to be done only one time and they will save money for many years. Print out this list of ways to save money on your winter heating bills. Most can be done in a weekend.

Learn more about this author, Diane Perez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.