These Things Can Help You Save Money This Winter In New York State

There is a saying in one of the most popular television shows that reminds people that cold weather is on the way. Whether you like it or not, winter is coming, and while the calendar says it's still technically autumn, those of us in Western, Central, and Northern New York know better, especially since a recent lake-effect snowstorm dropped several feet of snow on the region.

It doesn't matter how much you enjoy the cold or not; the time to get ready for winter has passed, but it's not too late for you to get ready for the colder temperatures. Winter hasn't fully set in, so we still have a little time.

Even though heating costs have started to stabilize nationwide, it's still more expensive nowadays to heat your home than it has been in a long time. While there are assistance programs available to New Yorkers like HEAP, these programs are often not enough to help people solve their heating problems.

What Are Some Tips To Help Lower Heating Bills

Given these facts, while there may not be much we can do about heating costs, there is plenty we can do about how we use our energy. We can also find ways to become more energy efficient with our fuel usage, which ultimately helps us lower our costs during the snowy seasons.

If my Dad were still alive, he likely would've had some might have had.a few suggestions on ways to save money on heating, but since he's not here with us anymore, we may need to figure this out on our own. Here are a few ideas:

Turn Down Your Water Heater

You'd be surprised how much energy it takes to keep the water in your water heater warm. Turning it down a few degrees will go a long way to lowering your energy bill in the winter.

Change Your Furnace Filter

When you have a clogged filter, your furnace has to work harder to circulate air throughout your home; that extra work means more electricity to run the furnace and then burning more gas, propane, or heating oil to create the heat. Go ahead and change that filter and help things run more efficiently.

Lower Your Thermostat

Just lowering your thermostat by 1 degree can make a major difference in your energy usage over time. Plus, using an electronic or programmable thermostat can help you heat your house only when necessary.

Opening and Then Closing Your Window Coverings

Even in the winter, the sun provides a lot of kinetic energy, and if you do not have high-efficiency windows in your home, opening your curtains and blinds during the day will help warm your home, and closing them at night will help you retain some of that heat.

Add Some Window or Door Insulation

Do you remember when your grandparents used to make you help put plastic sheeting up to their windows? Well, they were on to something; adding some insulation and weather stripping to your doors and windows will help keep the warm air in and cold air out.

Don't Use Your Bathroom Fan

Your bathroom fan does a great job of removing certain smells from your bathroom, but it also does a great job of pulling heat out of your house. Using your bathroom fan only when necessary will make a big difference.

What do you think about these ideas? Do you have any suggestions for things we could do to lower our heat bills?