by Theresa Ann White

Created on: December 18, 2010

Reducing the cost of home heating can involve innovative technology such as solar heating as well as a range of creative tricks and strategies. In all cases, occupants will strive to keep their health their first priority, and not suffer in the pursuit of frugality.

Simple Behavioral Changes

One of the quickest and most efficient ways to reduce the home heating bill is by changing behavior. Changing habits requires a change in thinking, and change is in itself a creative act.

For example, instead of requiring a home environment of 72 degrees throughout the winter season, become acclimated to 68 degrees. For every degree the thermostat is reduced, this will result in a 5% savings in the heating bill.

While adapting to the 68 degree home, bundle up. Wear layers of clothing and especially, keep the top of the head covered. The human head is something of a thermostat, and will send messages to the body when there are fluctuations in the external environment. If the head (brain) sends the message of “Cold!,” then the individual will act to accommodate this need. Start at the top and work down in blanketing the body. Extremities such as fingers and toes also need thermal protection. Wear an extra pair of socks or wool booties and slip on gloves.

Another technique for conserving body heat, and reducing the heating bill, is to time eating patterns. Body temperature is lower in the morning and higher at the end of the day after the muscles have been active. Body temperature also increases after eating. Plan your evening meal near bedtime, and then slide under the covers while your body temperature is slightly higher. This will deter you from turning up   the thermostat, and also lead to sleep much quicker. But bundle up. Body temperature will drop during the night, so insure your body is adequately warm.

Occupancy Changes

In addition to these changes in behavior, heating bills will be affected by home occupancy. Less time spent in the home will lead to a lower heating bill. Take advantage of neighborhood cafes with free WiFi. Go to the local university library. Visit friends. Wander through large department stores with late hours of operation. In other words, stay out of the home as much as possible, over and above your regular work schedule.

While in the home, shutter off rooms and restrict entry to the core of the house. Make sure to close air vents in the restricted rooms. Contain the heating to this core area, rather than the entire house. Keep doors closed to bathrooms and bedrooms. Doing so will accumulate heat without allowing it to escape through constantly opened doors.

And, take advantage of energy audits through the utility company. These can pinpoint areas where electricity use is unnecessarily high and recommend measures to reduce consumption and save money.

More Advanced Changes

Less creative but certainly practical ways to reduce heating costs include blackout curtains which trap heat, weather stripping and insulation upgrades. However, more advanced and costly changes will pay off if a homeowner intends to remain in the home for many years. These include transitioning to natural gas for heating or installation of solar heating.

Sources:

Green Living. 2009 July 26.Electricity saving tips. Retrieved from http://4c3.de/CL

Khan, S. Dr. 2010 April 13. Normal human temperature. Retrieved from http://4c3.de/CT.

REUK. 2010 December 9. Ways to save electricity. Retrieved from http://4c3.de/CK

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