Ever wonder why your thermostat goes up so high? Sure, you could turn it up to 80 and turn your house into a tropical getaway, but could you imagine the utility bill? If you’re like most homeowners, you’re trying to be as efficient as possible. But efficiency only goes so far, especially if it means you need to wear a down suit to bed just to stay warm. Good thing there are a few quick and easy solutions that you can do to warm up your home while cooling down your heating bill.

Curtain Call

If you live in an older home with drafty windows you know how big of a drain they can be on your home’s energy efficiency. One of the best ways to deal with this is to hang thermal drapes. Besides acting as an efficient cold-air barrier, thermal drapes have the added benefit of blocking out light – making them a perfect addition to your bedroom or entertainment room. Just remember to open them during the day to let the sunlight in.

Rug Doctor

Nothing wakes us up in the morning better than a barefoot walk on a wood or tile floor. About the only thing more unpleasant is stepping into the shower before the water has warmed up. Tired of cold feet? Adding a rug or two to your home is an easy way to make it feel cozier.

Mind The Gaps

If there’s a gap, crack, or space in your windows or doors, you can be sure that the cold air will find a way in. With a few beads of caulk, some window sealant, plastic film, or common bath towel, you can fill those gaps and keep the cold air where it belongs. Besides making your home more comfortable, you’ll increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your utility bills.

One Last Tip

Many of us set our thermostats to the same temperature and forget about it. And while it’s a great way to keep your house warm, it’s also a great way to keep your utility bills sky high. If your house is empty during the day, program your thermostat to drop the temperature down to about 62 degrees. You’ll be amazed by what it does to your heating bill.