Many homeowners typically see their energy bills skyrocket during the winter months. That’s because your home’s heating will do its best to compensate for the cold weather outside if you aren’t making the necessary adjustments indoors. Homeowners can, in fact, save tons of money on their energy costs this winter by adopting a few simple habits they can follow every day. Take a look at the four most effective and easy tips to follow for saving energy this winter. 

Let In More Sunshine

Sunshine is arguably the easiest source of completely free warmth and light you can take advantage of. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to heat your home with sunlight during seasons like Summer and Spring. But when it gets cold enough outside during the winter, sunlight beats out your home’s heating system every time you use it. 

To best take advantage of natural sunlight during cold winter days, open your blinds when the sun is shining highest and brightest through the south end of your home. Reputable energy companies, like Krimp Electric,  recommend following this easy step to save huge amounts on energy costs that you’d otherwise incur by using your home’s heating. Don’t forget, though, to close your blinds once the sun sets and is no longer warming you up. 

Adjust Your Thermostat Accordingly 

You want to adjust your thermostat when winter rolls around so that you aren’t going overboard with heating. A good best practice for saving energy in the wintertime is finding a temperature on your thermostat that’s low enough to save money, but high enough to keep you comfortable. Doing this as well as adjusting your thermostat when you’re sleeping or away from home can help save approximately ten percent on your energy bills each year. 

You can also take this one step further by adopting a modern “smart” thermostat. These cutting-edge appliances will help you set your own dates and times of day to schedule specific temperatures. They become smarter as you use them, too, so over time, your thermostat can help plan out your set times and dates for your preferred temperature without you needing to do a thing.

Check for Cracks and Drafts 

An infamous culprit of soaring energy bills in the winter are the cracks and open spaces that let cold air into your home. You can unknowingly let in a constant stream of cold winter air if there are open drafts and cracks that you haven’t found in your home. Luckily, sealing these spaces up and keeping them closed for the winter is an easy and relatively inexpensive method of keeping your energy costs down. 

The simplest way to close up cracks and drafty holes is with caulk. Companies, like Tron Electrical,  recommended to take this step before winter rolls around, as most experts agree that caulking and weatherstripping any air leaks or drafts you find will quickly make up for costs you spend on materials. Remember to check spaces you use less frequently like your basement and attics for any open cracks, windows, or doors letting in cold air. 

Use Space Heaters More Often

Space heaters are good alternatives to heating single rooms or spaces more efficiently. Unlike your home’s heating system, space heaters never lose the heat they exhaust and will keep single rooms that you use less frequently warm for long periods of time. Since space heaters are portable, you can take them with you and turn them off when you’re no longer using them. Keep in mind that space heaters are best used for smaller spaces and aren’t big enough to properly heat your entire home all day long.