If you are going to save any money on heating costs, it is going to take a few frugal heating tips to get it done. Every season requires some form of preparation. Otherwise you are just throwing money out the window. You can save a lot of money in energy costs if you just plan ahead for the coming season. That holds true for the cold season as well as the hot one.
Secure All Water Lines
It is hard enough to manage the cost of heating a home. If you have to pay for plum bing services or buy water, the expenses just keep adding up. Make sure your water lines are all well insulated. Seal up your foundation. If you have outside water lines, make sure to add a frost free line before the outside spigot. Keep a lamp on in the well house and seal it up tight for the winter.
Seal the Home
You should check for drafts every season. As houses age they tend to become drafty. If you catch this problem during warm weather, it’s easier to fix. This is especially true if you have a draft in your roof. If you can’t afford to replace the roof, seal the drafts with tar or sealing spray. Caulk around all the windows and doors.
Use What You Already Have
If you use an electric dryer, vent it under the house or use an adapter to vent it into the house. Do not use this method with a gas dryer as the fumes themselves need to be vented away from the house. If you have an electric dryer, be sure to use the appropriate adapter. This keeps the lint from flowing through the house with the heat.
If you plan to use a wood burner, learn how to cook on it as well as heat with it. If you already have a heat source going, why turn on the stove? Watch Craigslist and other places for free firewood. You can also pay attention to what your power company does. They often cut down trees and let people use them for fire wood free of charge.
Redecorate
With winter coming, it’s a good idea to brighten things up around the house anyhow. Adding a bit of color and variety can help you prevent depression that often comes with winter. Hang heavier curtains on the windows after you put plastic over them. Put down some colorful throw rugs, even in areas that have carpet. Doing these two things offers an added layer of insulation to the house.
Add insulation as you can afford to and plan to dress warm. You can lower your heating costs by changing your wardrobe to account for a bit of chill in the air. You can also try to keep active so your body is always warm. Keep the curtains pulled back during the day to allow the sunlight to naturally heat your home. You might even consider installing a sunroof to allow more natural heat to enter your home. Sometimes your frugal heating tips include spending a bit more cash for permanent changes that will pay off in the long run.
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