We are smack in the middle of a cold winter spell which can challenge even the most well-rounded person’s patience. Scraping ice off the car, shoveling snow, wearing extra clothing to stay warm and of course sky-rocketing energy bills.

The battle between humankind and bitterly cold winters goes back many thousands of years. Humans have used heavy clothing and fires to stay warm for most of mankind. But in the 21 century we rely on home heating systems to stay warm. Unfortunately, modern heating systems use a great deal of energy to complete their mission. Heating a home space is an energy intensive endeavor and most Americans really feel it in their pocketbook.

Here are some quick tips which may help you save money this winter while heating your home.

Smart Thermostats

These implements will allow you to pick a zone where you want to keep home temps and allow you to customize the settings for certain parts of the day. If you are typically away from home from 8am-5pm you can set it to allow the home to get cooler during these specific hours. Then right before you come home it will automatically begin to warm the house to your desired temperature.

Studies have shown that the most efficient temperature to keep your home temperature in the winter is about 68-69 degrees. In the summer that number is 75-77 degrees.

Proper Clothing

Wearing the proper clothing at home is beneficial in saving money on heating. If you get into the habit of wearing a nice warm sweatshirt and sweatpants while also utilizing blankets, then you are saving heat and ultimately are saving money as well.

Wearing comfortable pajamas and covering yourself with a blanket when not moving around can allow you to keep your home at the 69-degree range and you will not be uncomfortable.

Weatherproofing Your Home

Making sure that you have efficient windows and doors which do not allow air to escape is half the battle. In fact, the numbers may shock you:

Here are the most commonly cited ranges from reliable sources like the U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov), energy efficiency organizations, and building studies:

• Windows alone typically account for 25–30% of a home’s total heat loss in winter (sometimes cited up to 35% for poorly performing or single-pane windows). Many sources reference the DOE’s estimate of 25–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use tied to windows.
• Windows and doors combined often contribute 20–40% of total heat loss, with draftier older homes leaning toward the higher end.
• Pure drafts/air leaks (infiltration around windows, doors, and other openings) can cause 10–30% of heated air to escape, sometimes reported as up to 20% of annual energy costs or 10–30% specifically in winter heating.

Make sure the insulation in your home is up-to-date and there are no areas of the roof or attic which are exposed to outside elements. This advice isn’t just for winter. These measures also help keep cold AC in during blistering summer months.

The measures listed above, along with countless other efforts to keep your home warm, can save you hundreds of dollars in heating bills this winter. It’s all about finding a balance of comfort and financial expenditure. Planning for cold winters ahead of time can really ease your mind when that first winter storm comes through.