Warm Homes, Cooler Bills: Smart Ways to Stay Comfy in Winter

Winter brings out the cozy clothes and the debates about indoor temperatures. But did you know there's a smart way to keep your home warm and your energy bills low? The U. S. Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're awake and lowering it a bit when you're asleep or away. This simple trick can help you save energy and money while staying comfortable. Energy costs have been rising, with the average electric bill reaching $184 a month and gas bills around $141. Water bills add another $99, making the total utility bills much higher than they were in 2020. By setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower than usual, you can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs each year. Homes in milder climates can save even more.Keeping your home warm doesn't just depend on the thermostat. You can also make sure your windows and doors are sealed to keep the cold out. Clean heating ducts and vents, replace air filters, and schedule a tune-up for your furnace. It's also a good idea to stock up on heating fuels like oil, gas, or firewood early in the season. There's another benefit to keeping your home a bit cooler. Lower temperatures help your home retain heat, saving energy in the long run. The Department of Energy offers more tips on choosing the right heating unit, maintaining it, and other ways to save energy. To keep your home warm and cozy, make sure warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are clean and unblocked. If you have hot water radiators, make sure they're free of air. Turn off exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom within 20 minutes of use. When replacing heating or cooling equipment, consider getting a home energy assessment and choosing energy-efficient products.