The cold nights are here. You shiver in the morning, run for those slippers and wonder why you didn’t turn the heat up while you dream about lower gas bills. Saving cash energy on heating has never been easier. All you need is a few bucks and a couple hours to insulate your house better than ever.

Window Savings

Windows are the most common places to leak cold air. Cheap double-paned or single paned windows can resonate very cold air. Hang thick curtains over the windows. This will help insulate the cold to that area.

For more protection from the cold install a plastic window insulation kit. These kits put a layer of plastic film over the window to create another pocket of air. Air is one of the best and insulators. Windows can save cash and energy all year with better insulation.

Water Heater Savings

If your house or apartment uses gas, you know that it can add up quick. Some older gas furnaces are not very efficient, and water heaters can run all day if a handful of showers need to be taken. There are several easy ways to make sure you use only what you need.

Gas water heaters can lose efficiency if not properly maintained. A standard gas water heater will have a knob to adjust the temperature of the hot water. Turn this to medium or even lower if you don’t need scalding water. The higher settings will make the heater run more frequently to maintain this temperature.

Water heaters can also be insulated with blankets, typically made from fiberglass or mineral wool. This blanket will help the tank sustain the heat, ensuring the heater will turn on less.

If you have a gas furnace, install a programmable thermostat. These will allow you to program setting so the heater is not turning off and on quicky with maintenance mode. This rapid cycling can waste gas on heating the elements, and not your rooms.

Space Heater Savings

There are many different options for heating rooms with a space heater. Space heaters can be fueled by a variety of sources. Electricity, Kerosene, Oil, and even Wax. All space heater will have a rating in BTU’s. Depending on the type and model, this rating will tell you what size space the heater will effectively heat. A standard 12’ by 12’ room with 8’ ceilings will need a 1500W electric heater to properly heat the room.

If you are only occupying one room, and do not want to heat the others as much, close the doors, or furnace vents so the other rooms will get and retain more heat. Make sure you turn the furnace off manually if your thermostat is in a colder room.

Following these simple tips will ensure you are saving cash energy and time heating your house this winter.