Heating your home in the winter can be outrageously expensive, especially if you live in the northern parts of the United States where winters are very long and very cold. Saving on your home heating bills does not have to be expensive, although there are some steps to take that will cost you some money. Cheap ways to save can include sealing openings and adjusting heat settings in your home.
Comparison Shop
Save on your oil, natural gas or electricity by comparison shopping among providers in your area. You might not be allowed to choose your energy company, but if you can, you can realize a lot of savings by comparing usage rates and other fees that you'll be paying throughout the winter. Follow the trends in oil prices to help you lock in to a low per-gallon price before the winter begins and your oil tank is empty.
Seal Drafts
Air that seeps in--letting heated air out--can be sealed with electrical tape or other tapes that can withstand heat without drying out. The Federal Trade Commission suggests closing fireplace flues when you are not using them and closing doors to rooms not in use. Kathryn Canavan of "USA Today" explains that heat can escape through electrical outlets. A cheap fix for this problem is to install child-proof plastic caps on all outlets not currently in use. Locking your windows can also seal drafts because the windows close more tightly when locked.
Adding insulation to your attic is another way to save on heating, but can be more expensive.
Adjust Water Heater
Turn your water heater down to save on energy, not only during the winter, but year-round. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that keeping your water heater setting at 120 degrees F is sufficient in terms of providing hot water for bathing. Buy an inexpensive water heater blanket to wrap around your water tank to provide even more insulation that can save you money on your heating bill.
Program Heating Times
Invest in a programmable thermostat--specific models can range in price--for a comparatively cheap method of saving yourself some cash during the winter heating season. Program your heat settings according to your family's at-home schedule, keeping the house cooler when nobody is home, and at night. If you have never used a programmable thermostat before and tend to set the temperature at a static setting, you'll easily see some savings from the times you've chosen to drop the ambient temperature.
Clean Vents
Clean the vents to your heating system as an inexpensive way of keeping costs down. The Federal Trade Commission explains that removing the lint from your vents and installing clean air filters in your heat pump makes the entire system work more efficiently. An efficient heating system saves you money.
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