While winter is the ‘merriest’ time of the year, it’s also the most expensive. And we’re not just talking about gifts and holiday costs.

Winter is the season when our home electricity bills go skyrocketing. In fact, 70% of the energy consumption in a typical American household goes to heating.

The good news is – there are actually simple ways to keep your home warm throughout the winter season and keep your energy cost at a minimum.

Check out these tips:

1.  Install a Programmable Thermostat

There are plenty of good reasons why you would want to invest in a programmable thermostat. The biggest benefit is it helps you save money. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature to the level that’s most comfortable to you and your family. You can also set a timer so your heating system doesn’t have to run the entire day, especially when you’re away. This device also helps maintain the perfect, consistent temperature for your home and makes it more energy-efficient.

2.  Utilize Space Heaters

Another way to keep your home warm while saving on the cost is to use a space heater. A portable tower heater can warm up a room or small area while keeping the temperature lower on your central heating system. This means you only have to heat a specific room that’s in use, and not the whole house.

However, space heaters have gotten a bad rap for being a fire hazard. So make sure to observe proper caution when using this equipment.

3.  Should You Close Or Open The Curtains?

It might surprise you that such small things like curtains can have an impact on your room’s temperate. But I actually do have an impact. Here is what you should do.

4.   Let the Sunlight in During The Day

During the day, even in colder months, opening up the curtains to let the sunshine in is still a good idea. After all, the sun is still warm. However, it’s better to leave the curtains closed on windows that aren’t receiving direct sunlight.

5.   Keep Curtains Closed At Night

In the evening, don’t forget to close the curtains to keep all the heat from leaving. Consider replacing your curtains with thicker or heavier ones for added insulation.

6.  Put Some Rugs

Area rugs are an easy way to spruce up your space and make your home cozier. They add texture, color, and ambiance in your bedroom or living room, giving it an instant facelift. But during winter months, area rugs have another function. They make your home warmer. Rugs add a layer of insulation to your floor by trapping cool air underneath.

7.  Insulate Wood Floors

A wood floor looks stunning as it is. But in winter, you might consider adding some insulation as it can get very cold. Extremely low temperatures also make wood floors susceptible to drafts. A convenient, easy, and cost-effective way to insulate a floor is to install carpets or rugs. You can also use reflective foils. They work by acting as a vapor barrier to prevent cool air from seeping up and cooling the room. If you have the budget, you can opt for fiber insulation or polystyrene.

8.  Seal all Air Leaks

The best way to keep your house warm during winter is to ensure that cool air from outside won’t have a chance to enter. Windows and doors are often the culprits. However, even the tiny holes and cracks around your home can add up and sabotage your efforts to keep it warm.

Some easy ways to seal air leaks include installing door sweeps, installing outlet gaskets on electrical outlets, adding caulking to window frames, removing barriers or blockage from the heating vents, and covering your kitchen exhaust fan when not in use.

9.  Create a Cozy Feel

Sometimes, a few tweaks in your interior design is all you need to make your space feel much warmer. You don’t need to invest in some major home renovation just to make your home cozier. Consider these tips:

• Use a portable fireplace.
• Dress your table. Use some pretty, inviting textiles or quilted runners.
• Use soft lighting. This simple tweak can make your home not just warmer but also relaxing. You can add lighter lampshades as well.
• Throw in some pillows. Aside from rugs, you can accentuate your home with throw pillows. Consider combining different styles, designs, and textures.

10. Make Sure Your HVAC System is Functioning Well

A faulty heating system can cost you a lot of money on energy waste. HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure that it’s working on the optimal level. Experts recommend changing the filters at least once a month. Also, if you have a very old HVAC machine, consider having it checked by a professional technician. He or she can make recommendations to improve your home’s energy consumption.

Keeping your home warm this season isn’t as difficult as you think. With a few tweaks here and there, you can achieve a warm, comfortable, and cozy home.