Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, especially during the winter. One way to do this is by using energy-efficient appliances that will help keep your home warm with less money spent. There are many appliances you can invest in now to make sure your heating bills will be cheaper this winter. You’ll find ideas below about how these household items could help you cut down on costs and stay warm during the cold months.
- Energy-agile water heater
The first thing homeowners should consider investing in is an energy-agile water heater which uses up to 40 percent less gas or electricity than a traditional one would use. This can save you around $300 per year, depending on your current usage levels! Another great benefit of this type of appliance is that it will help you avoid those extremely high winter bills that come as a result of turning up the heat.
Furthermore, this type of water heater is more durable and will last a lot longer. You won’t need to spend any more money on it for a very long time.
- Solar panels
Solar panels might seem like a costly investment, but they are actually very effective at reducing winter heating bills by as much as 50 percent. Many homeowners are now completely switching over to solar energy, given the rising cost of energy. And, you are doing something great for the environment by not adding harmful greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere with traditional methods. If you are serious about saving money, then you should consider investing in solar panels.
- Insulated windows
Adding insulation to your windows is a great way to keep the warm air in during the winter. You can buy window insulation kits from most home improvement stores and they provide a great return on your investment. With these, you can increase the efficiency of your windows by up to 50 percent, which means you could save up to 20 percent of your heating bill per year by adding this feature.
Also, make sure you check for cracks and leaks around your windows and doors and seal them up as best as you can with caulking or weatherstripping. These small gaps can let a lot of heat out of your home, costing you extra money each month on heating.
- Fireplace inserts
In a time when furnaces and heaters exist, the fireplace is another option to keep your home warm. However, stacking logs can be a nuisance since you’ll have to collect them from the outside. If you would like to create a more cozy atmosphere as the temperatures drop, then consider investing in gas fireplace logs. They can heat up to 2,000 square feet of your home and can save you up to 25 percent on your annual heating bill. What’s more is that they emit fewer emissions than traditional fireplaces, which means fewer gas bills to pay.
- Smart thermostats
A great way to save money on your heating bill is to install a smart thermostat. These thermostats can be programmed to lower the temperature automatically when nobody is home or at night. You can also change the temperature by remote control; simply download an app on your phone and you’ll be able to adjust the temperature wherever you are in the world.
- Energy-efficient furnace
If you’re in the market for a new furnace, be sure to buy an energy-efficient one. These furnaces use less energy to heat your home, which will save you money on your heating bills. They also come with federal tax credits, so you can get a little money back from the government for making this purchase. Be sure to ask your furnace installer about the different types of energy-efficient furnaces available.
- Insulate your attic
One of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter is to properly insulate your attic. This will stop the warm air from escaping through the roof and keep the heat where it belongs—in your home. You can buy insulation at most home improvement stores, and it’s a very inexpensive way to keep your heating bills down. Or you can also get your attic insulated by professionals in spray foam insulation Toronto to ensure that your insulation is installed properly.
- Seal your ducts
Sealing the ducts in your home can also help to keep your home warm and your heating bill low. This is because the ducts are often where heated air escapes from, and if they are not properly sealed, you could be losing a lot of money each and every month. Furthermore, you could be breathing in dust and other contaminants that get released into the air whenever you turn on your heat or air conditioning. You can often seal your ducts yourself with an HVAC foil tape, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
The winter is coming and you may be feeling the need to start preparing for it in advance. There are a number of ways that you can use to keep your home warm, but many of these methods will also save money on your heating bill too. The ones in this article are an excellent start.