According to a study published in Move.org, Massachusetts residents have some of the highest utility bills in the U.S., dishing out an average of $469 a month for gas, electricity, and related costs. All six New England states ranked in the Top 10 nationwide. How can you keep these costs down this winter?
If these numbers and standings alarm you, realize that you are not alone. In fact, you may be one of the millions of Bostonians looking to reduce their bills this winter.
Cutting utility bills is the dream of most homeowners as the winter draws closer and the temperatures drop. Living in New England means snow storms and Nor’easters for months on end and consequently keeping the heat on from late fall to mid spring. Thankfully there are some fairly simple steps to keeping your heating costs down as the winter progresses.
A Programmable Thermostat
A great way to keep the utility bills down during the colder months is to invest in a programmable thermostat. This type of temperature control device can provide comfortable heating while you are home while automatically lowering the temperature when you are at work or away from your property. The automatic temperature adjustments can happen in the unit or from a smartphone. It can mean a major lowering of your energy bills.
Insulating Doors and Windows
Obviously one of the major ways that cold air enters a property is through the small openings around doors and windows. These types of leaks can eat away at your heating bill and cause a higher usage bill.
Try sealing your doors and windows to keep cold air from entering your unit. Door sweeps and window caulking can do wonders to keep out drafts and air leaks. Insulation can also make a huge difference in the energy bills you will see monthly.
Use Natural Heating
Depending upon the sun’s direction in your unit, you may be able to use the natural heating of the sun for your unit to reduce your energy bills. When the sun is shining directly on your unit, take advantage of that natural heating by opening shades and allowing as much sunlight as possible to naturally heat your space. After the direct heating has moved, try closing the curtains to keep as much of that natural heating in as possible.
Tell us your tricks to cutting your heating bills throughout the winter! Leave us a note in the comments or on our Facebook page. We love to get ideas from our readers and pass them along to others.