As the cooler months set in it’s time to pull out your holiday decor and spend lazy afternoons by the fire, but it can also bring major electrical bills. Heating your home can become very expensive, read these cost-effective ways to stay warm this winter and keep your mind and budget at ease.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat has a world of benefits. You can adjust the times you turn on the heating based off of a pre-set option that fits around your schedule. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day) that you can manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program.

You can save 10 percent on your winter heating bills by adjusting your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler for the eight hours you’re at work, according to the Department of Energy. Cut it back an additional eight hours when you sleep and you could save 20 percent.

Turn The Ceiling Fan Clockwise

Typically, a ceiling fan is thought of as a way to cool down but it is also a smart way to utilize heat. If you set your ceiling fan to a low speed, letting it spin clockwise, the warm air trapped at the ceiling will mix with the cooler air and heat the entire room. Just by taking action with this simple tip, you could save up to 15% on your heating bill.

Add Layers To Your Wardrobe

Instead of turning the heat up, grab a few extra blankets or add layers to your wardrobe to keep you comfortable while at home. After all, it’s a lot cheaper to put a few extra layers of clothes than to crank the heat up in your home. So, grab your new pair of warm slippers and keep your temperature at a reasonable setting.

Plastic Wrap Windows

If you stand near a window in your home and feel a draft from the outside, it’s time to insulate your windows. More commonly in older homes but this problem can easily be fixed. DIY window insulation kits are generally under $20 and allow you to secure plastic sheets with insulated tape and shrink wrap it with a hair dryer.

Fill In Insulation Gaps

Taking a little time in Summer or Fall to caulk or weatherstrip these leaks around the house will save you big money on your energy bill come Winter. The common areas in need of insulation include:

• Recessed Lights
• Between the baseboards and floorboards
• Behind electrical outlets
• Windows
• Attic Door

Contact Five Star

Don’t be hit with the cold winter blues and save today by taking these easy steps. Not only will they help you save money on your upcoming energy bills, but you can relax when the cold weather really hits. Looking for additional tips for protecting your investment during cold temperatures? Learn more here.

Five Star Construction builds custom luxury homes in Upstate South Carolina. Interested in learning more? We’d love to hear from you! Give us a call at (864) 303-9143 or contact us online today!