8 Tips on Using Less Heat This Winter ...

Photo Credit: M Car

Just because the heat is running doesn't mean that you should run around in your summer shorts and tank top! Turn the heat down a bit and dress like it's winter. Instead of the tank, wear long sleeves, and in place of shorts, wear sweatpants. Cover up them feet and snuggle under a blanket when watching TV. There, you saved a couple dollars because your heat isn't running as much!

Photo Credit: paulaniz67

Cover up the windows you're not going to be using during the winter months with plastic or blankets. You can buy kits to do this, or improvise using your own stuff.

Photo Credit: MsBlueSky

After baking your family's favorite meal, don't close the oven door and waste, put that perfectly warm air to good use by cracking the door until it's cooled. There, free heat!

Photo Credit: Krustyp

Unless you're using your attic for living space, cover the entry way to it. Everyone knows that an unfinished attic is the coldest place in the winter, so block it off, keeping your living space a little warmer.

Photo Credit: Mark Tomas

If it's been a while since your house has been insulated, you might aught to check into getting some new insulation put in. There are some brands of insulation that are energy efficient (Energy Star) so you get the double benefit of getting to claim the cost on your taxes! My husband and I had this done in the spring, and the results were amazing! Our air didn't run as much this summer, and so far, our heat has been the same way!

Photo Credit: Serrator

If you're not in a room all that much, close off the vents and shut the door. This will lower the square feet that must be heated. Just be sure that one of your thermostat heat sensors aren't located in one of the rooms that you close off. as this will have an adverse effect on your heating bill.

Photo Credit: Laurent Henocque

I don't know how many times I've been in a house and commented on their lovely fireplace, and they said, "Thank you, it's just for looks, we don't use it." What?!?! You have a fireplace and you don't use it? I have one, and absolutely love the smell of burning oak throughout my house! And oh! The warmth and coziness! If you have never used your fireplace, and you live in an older house, it is a good idea to have the chimney inspected before use, as chimney fires can be dangerous. Other than that, I say, go for it!

Photo Credit: tessapple

Turn your heat down considerably (unless you have small children or babies) and just snuggle under the covers. If you have a digital thermostat, program it to start about an hour before you wake, or set your alarm and turn it on, then snuggle back under the covers in "snooze" mode until it's warmed up.

As I stated earlier, saving money right now is important, and taking these 8 tips is a good step in the right direction. Do you have a favorite tip for saving on the heating bill I forgot to mention?

Top Photo Credit: kern.justin