Looking for ways to save money heating your home? As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it’s a good thing to start thinking about especially here in Minnesota!
Minnesota winters are cold and long, which means home heating bills can add up pretty high for many families. But there are many ways you can trim your bill and make your home more comfortable even on the shortest, coldest days!
Here are 10 ways you can save money heating your home:
(1) First, check out all the hundreds of dollars of possible rebates you can get from your energy provider!
For example, Minnesota Energy Resources customers can qualify for rebates for:
- upgrading to a high efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler
- installing a programmable or smart/advanced thermostat
- installing an energy efficient gas hearth or fireplace
- improving the air sealing and insulation in your home!
These rebates can range from $25 to $650 and you definitely don’t want to miss out! There are other rebates available for energy efficiency upgrades as well – learn all about them here!
(2) Turn down the thermostat when you’re away or asleep. You can manually adjust it before you go out or go to sleep, or you can invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to do it for you. I recommend a smart thermostat because it will “learn” your preferences over time and automatically the temperature all day and night for you to be just right. Keeping the temperature no higher than necessary will help you lower your costs. Plus, investing in a smart thermostat may qualify you for a rebate from your energy provider! For example, Minnesota Energy Resources customers can qualify for rebates up to $100! Watch for sales from the manufacturers around key holidays and double up on savings!
(3) Ceiling fans are great for keeping your home cool in the summer, but did you know they can keep your home warm in the winter, too? If you have ceiling fans, switch the direction to reverse to direct hot air down to floor level.
(4) Make sure all your vents are clear and that no furniture or other items are blocking them. We recently discovered that some vents were blocked in the living room, and once we cleared them it made a noticeable difference! You’re paying for the heat (and cool air, if you have central air) – so be sure your house is getting it!
(5) If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when you’re not using it to make sure warm air doesn’t escape.
(6) Schedule regular maintenance and tune-ups on your furnace, and change your furnace filters regularly (ideally every month). This way your furnace is working at its best and lasts a long time! We have our furnace and air conditioning unit checked every year, and as a result we know it’s making the most of our money and we’re less likely to have surprise repairs.
(7) Welcome the sun! Open your window blinds and curtains during the day to bring in the sun’s warmth, and close them at night to keep the heat in your home. My grandparents even went a step further with curtains – wherever doors weren’t an option, they hung curtains between rooms to keep the heat from escaping to the next room or hallway. It worked! Their rooms were very snug and warm!
(8) Add insulation to your house and be sure to seal up any air leaks. Warm air typically leaks out from doors, windows, and even around electrical outlets (so don’t leave these exposed). Your home energy provider may have tips and resources on their website, and may offer customized advice for your home. Minnesota Energy Resources customers can get customized recommendations by having an in-home energy-saving audit.
(9) Decorate with warmth in mind! Put rugs on bare floors, flannel sheets on your bed, and warm blankets on your couch and chairs. And light candles (safely) for warmth. I personally love decorating my home like a north woods cabin, so I have blankets in every room and it helps my home look cozy and inviting.
(10) Finally, wear warm clothes! Put on layers, sweaters, warm socks or slippers, and/or perhaps a hat. I love wearing my flannel pajamas during these long, cold Minnesota winters! (Who doesn’t, right?) Dressing warmer inside will help you stay warm without having to turn up the heat.
What other ways do you save money heating your home?
For more ways to save money and energy in your home:
10 Simple Ways to Save Money and Energy at Home
10 Ways to Save Money Running Your Dishwasher
For more information about rebates available to Minnesota Energy Resources customers, visit their website.
(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.)
Bobbie says
Great advice