7 of the Best and Cheapest Ways to Heat a House

Surveys have suggested that only about 10% of Americans consider winter to be their favorite season.

Many people dislike winter because of how early it gets dark outside. Others dislike it because of the snow it brings.

But the vast majority of the people who dislike winter hate it because of the cold temperatures that come along with it. They dread having to spend a small fortune every winter to heat their homes.

Are you among the people who hate winter for this reason? If so, you should know that there are ways to heat a house in the wintertime without breaking the bank.

Here are seven of the best and cheapest ways to heat a house once winter begins.

1. Start by Servicing Your Heating System

When is the last time you had your home’s heating system serviced? If you’re scratching your head right now and thinking, “Have I ever serviced my heating system?!”, that’s a problem.

You should get into the habit of servicing your heating system each and every year. These heating experts can come in and take a look at your heating system and see if there is anything that can be done to make it more efficient.

Yes, servicing your heating system will cost you a little bit of money upfront. But you can make your heating system more efficient and allow it to heat your home more effectively when you service it on a regular basis, which will save you money in the long run.

2. Set Up a Smart Thermostat

Are you still using an old thermostat in your home that you have to set manually? Stop living in the dark ages and invest in a smart thermostat instead!

A smart thermostat will allow you to change the temperature in your home right from your smartphone. It’ll also keep tabs on when you’re home and adjust your temperature.

By dropping your temperature just a few degrees when you’re away from home, your smart thermostat can save you a ton of money. It can also make it easier for you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere.

This is one of the best ways to heat a house all winter long.

3. Check Your Home’s Insulation Levels

Do you have enough insulation in your attic, your walls, and even your basement? If not, it could be one of the main reasons why you’re paying so much money every month to heat your home.

A lack of insulation will allow hot air in your home to escape too easily in the winter. This will force your HVAC system to work extra hard to heat your home and send your energy bills skyrocketing.

If it’s been a while now since you’ve checked your home’s insulation levels, climb up in your attic and do it yourself. Or call in professionals to help you see if adding insulation to your home could make it easier to heat it.

4. Replace Weatherstripping on Windows and Doors

Can you feel cold air streaming into your home when you stand by one of the many windows or doors in it? This could be a clear-cut sign that you need to replace the weatherstripping on these windows or doors.

Weatherstripping goes around the outside of windows and doors and stops air and moisture from sneaking into your home. Replacing weatherstripping is a simple job that can make a big difference in the comfort level of your home throughout the winter season.

5. Make Sure Your Heat Registers Are Clear

Is there furniture in your home that is sitting right in front of or on top of some of the heat registers in it? This can take a toll on your heating system’s ability to heat your home in the winter.

All of the heat registers in your home should be open once winter starts. Any furniture surrounding them should also be moved so that they’re free to deliver warm air to the various rooms in your home.

You should also walk around and stick your hand next to your heat registers every so often to make sure they’re delivering warm air. If they’re not, it could indicate an issue with the ductwork in your home that will need to be fixed.

6. Put Energy-Efficient Space Heaters to Good Use

Are there some rooms in your home that feel colder than others? You might be tempted to crank your heat to get the temperature in them up to an acceptable level.

Rather than doing this, why not invest in a few energy-efficient space heaters that you can use in these rooms? They should make them feel warmer without forcing you to turn your heat up higher than it should be. 

7. Wear Warmer Clothes When You’re Inside in the Winter

Do you routinely walk around in short-sleeve shirts and shorts in the winter when you’re inside your house? This is a sign that you’re keeping the temperature in your home too high!

Try wearing warmer clothes like sweatpants and hoodies and turning the thermostat down. You don’t need to walk around in a coat when you’re inside, but you should bundle up a little bit so that you don’t have to blast your heat.

You’ll be surprised by how much money you can save by changing what you wear in the wintertime. You’ll also be surprised by how much more comfortable you feel.

Take Advantage of the Best Ways to Heat a House in the Winter

The average homeowner pays more than $2,000 in utility bills every year. A large percentage of those bills are the direct result of heating their home.

If you feel like you’re paying too much money every year to heat your home, do something about it. Use the tips listed here to find the best ways to heat a house in the winter.

You won’t have to worry about dealing with high heating bills anymore. You also won’t have to feel like you’re freezing when you’re inside your home.

Browse through our blog to find more ways to save money throughout the course of the year.