From changing the way you think about things like sweaters and your heat settings, to taking advantage of programs that are designed to help you improve insulation and save money, there are a lot of different ways to save money this winter.
No one is saying that you have to sacrifice something like comfort. All we’re suggesting is that there smarter, cost-effective methods that can help you to save a significant amount of money, while also taking advantage of easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Easy Tips To Save Money This Winter
We definitely want you to stay warm this winter. At the same time, we also think there are probably at least a couple of things you could do, in terms of lowering your energy costs. Let’s take a look at a few simple things you can try, when it comes to something like how you can save money this winter:
Open your blinds during the day
Opening your blinds during the day isn’t just a great way to bring natural light into your space. It also takes advantage of the natural heat that’s produced by the sun, even on a chilly day. You can close them at night, and then open them during the morning hours. Simple!
Change your air/furnace filters
Dirty filters can force your HVAC unit to work harder. If the filters are filthy, it might be time to replace them. Doing so will make for a much more efficient machine in your home.
Reverse your ceiling fan
Since hot air is known to rise, you can reverse your fans, and then run them on a low setting. This will actually bounce the warm air back down to the ground, where it belongs.
The benefits of a tune-up
At least once a year, you should pay for a professional to inspect your current heat/air system. Doing so can catch small problems, before they get to the point of becoming very serious problems. You’re spending a little money now, but you’re saving a lot of money later on. A tune-up ensures your system will run at peak performance on even the coldest of days.
Replace windows and doors
This is another measure that involves spending a little money in the present. However, consider the long-term savings of having more efficient windows and doors for your home, beyond the aesthetic value.
Turn down the thermostat
No, we’re not saying that you have to drop your thermostat down to sub-arctic levels. However, lowering your thermostat by even a couple of degrees can lead to big savings over the long term. Get around the change in your “normal” temperature by wearing warmer clothing around the house. After a while, you won’t even feel the difference you felt at the start of this.
Government rebates
Believe it or not, but you can take advantage of government rebates that are designed to do two things. They can help you to save a lot of money, and they can lead to a home that is more efficient. For example, Manitoba Hydro features a Home Insulation Program. Simply by making some basic changes to how you insulate your home, the program will let you enjoy rebates. You will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, in addition to Power Smart requirements for insulation.
Save Money This Winter
With all of the tips mentioned above, you should definitely start to see some major changes to your monthly energy costs. You can enjoy winter in supreme comfort. You’re just a little smarter about how you keep the house going during the colder months.