Keeping Warm on a Budget

Ideas for Staying Warn and Comfortable on a Budget

If you’re like many Americans, you’re watching every penny this winter. Everyone wants to save money, and with a harsh winter in store for many parts of the country that means finding the most efficient and economical ways of staying warm. Keeping comfortable on a budget can take some creativity and commitment. Consider some of these helpful tips to help keep you cozy without breaking the bank.

Space Heaters

A space heater will consume far less electricity than a furnace. These helpful devices allow you to concentrate heat in the room or rooms that you frequent most. Consider which rooms you use the most. If you spend the majority of your time in one or two rooms, it might not make sense to heat the entire house. Place heaters in key rooms, and keep the doors to those rooms closed to seal in the heat. To make this an even cheaper option, remember that you can often find heaters in thrift stores or at garage sales. Make sure to check over second hand appliances carefully. Modern heaters have numerous safety features that make them far more appealing than older models but you should still give electrical cords and connections a quick once-over.

Heating Pads and Blankets

If you spend much time watching television or working on the computer, you way want to consider a heating pad or blanket. Heating blankets are a great way to create a little pocket of warmth just for you. Like space heaters, heating pads and blankets can sometimes be found second hand. Be extra careful with these, however, as there are electrical components built into the fabric that can’t be examined very easily.

Ceiling Fans

Did you know that ceiling fans can spin in either direction? Spinning in one direction they blow cold air down; in the opposite direction they push cold air up. Make sure that you’ve changed the direction on all of your ceiling fans to the appropriate setting for the season. When cold weather threatens, you want them to push all of the cold air up. This will keep warm air where it can be the most helpful.

Discourage Drafts

A small hole can make a huge difference to the energy efficiency of any room. Look around your house for imperfect windows or gaps under doors. Seal leaks with weather stripping or caulking. Even laying down a blanket to block the gap under a door can make a noticeable difference.

Cook at Home

Cooking a meal at home will make the whole house feel cozy and welcoming. The oven will heat up the kitchen, and you will also have a delicious meal to look forward to.

Use Your Fireplace

Fireplaces are a great source of light and heat. Firewood can often be cheaper than electricity or gas. Make sure you have a clean flue and the appropriate fireplace tools.

Small improvements can make for big changes in the level of comfort you enjoy this winter. Keeping heating costs within your budget will be a relief and a reward. For a winter heating system tune-up, call One Hour air conditioning and heating company in Bartlett, IL.