How to Cut Back on Household Expenses: Heating


There’s nothing cheap about running a household as all facets of it require us to spend money. However this doesn’t mean that you can’t find an affordable way to run your household. In fact, you may be surprised to find that you’re spending more money than necessary in several areas of your household expenses. Below are a few areas where you may be able to cut back your household heating expense - a big one at this time of year.

We all spend money heating our homes during the cooler months, which can add up to quite a bit of money over the year. There are ways to reduce these expenses though and they are all simple things anyone can do.

·First things first: dress appropriately – It's winter and it's cold so dress for the season. Start with the right underwear - singlets and spencers may seem old fashioned, but they keep you warm and no one know you're wearing them. On very cold days leggings or footless tights under trousers or skirts add warmth. Then socks to keep feet warm. Indoors wear slippers. Long sleeve shirts and a jumper. Layers work well to keep you warm and comfortable, with the advantage of being easy to take off if you warm up. If you're dressed properly you can easily lower the thermostat by 5 degrees and save money and energy.

·Use ceiling fans – Use ceiling fans to force warm air down. Some ceiling fans have a reverse switch, others you need to reverse the blades to drag the hot air down from the ceiling.

·Close unnecessary vents – Many of us have vents in our homes that don’t need to be open because we’re seldom in the room. Close those vents and you’ll instantly save money.

·Close doors to rooms you aren't using - There's no point in heating rooms you aren't using. Keep the doors closed most of the time. Open the doors one day a week to air the room and keep it from getting damp.

·Change filters regularly – Stay on top of changing your air-conditioner filters regularly. You should be changing them every 30-60 days during heavy use.

·Open curtains and blinds – During cooler months, keep your curtains and blinds open during the day. This allows the sun’s rays to naturally heat up your home. Close curtains and blinds during hot summer months to keep cool air in.

·Close curtains and blinds - During cooler months close the curtains and blinds as soon as the sun starts to go down. Warm air will be trapped in the house and they'll block the cold coming through the windows.

·Use space heaters – Space heaters  are a great way to supplement your central heating, which helps lower energy costs.

·Bring out the throws and knee rugs - Cover up of an evening with a throw or rug and keep the thermostat on the heater turned down. You'll be warm and cosy without affecting your heating bill.

·Check around windows and doors for draughts - You'd be amazed at just how much cold can sneak in through gaps around windows and doors. Seal them up with specialist tape you can get from any good hardware shop. It's a simple DIY job, the tape isn't expensive and it will save you a lot of money all year round.

·Use draught stoppers or sausages - A sausage against exterior doors will keep draughts out. Again, they'll not only keep cold (or hot in summer) air out but save you money.

There are more great ways to save money, time and energy when heating your home in the Tip Store: Household: Heating
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