14 Tips for Using Less Heat this Season

It feels like it got chilly over night! The temperature’s dropping here in the northern hemisphere, and for a lot of us that means dialing up the thermostat to take that chill out of the air.

Whether you have electric or gas heat, warming your home isn’t so hot for the environment. The majority of our electricity here in the U.S. comes from dirty coal. Natural gas drilling often uses a dangerous method called hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” which contaminates water in the areas around drilling sites.

Never fear! There are lots of ways that you can reduce your heating bill without setting hand on the thermostat.

1. Get a Draft Dodger

Nope, I’m not talking about avoiding military service. Draft dodgers are filled fabric tubes that you wedge under the door to keep out cold air. Normally filled with sand or small beans, they do a great job of adding a little extra insulation around doors or windows.

You can purchase draft dodgers online, and if you’re feeling crafty it’s quite easy to whip up your own!

2. Make the Most of the Sunlight

If possible, keep your blinds open during the day and close them at night. This does double duty. In the daytime, sunlight will warm your home naturally, and at night your blinds will help keep heat from escaping through your windows.

3. Trim the Tree

Not the Christmas tree! If you’ve got plants blocking the windows on the side of your house that gets the most sun, prune them back. This will help you take advantage of sunlight during the day (see #2).

Up next: Cover the floor, bundle up, and turn down the thermostat.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joe R.

8:58AM PST on Nov 27, 2011

Good tips.

send a green star

Larissa R.

4:25PM PST on Nov 26, 2011

sometimes all of those don't work. its sad when you can't afford to heat your house.

10:48PM PDT on May 9, 2011

I am blessed.

I live in an apartment, my little nest which is just right for me.

My utilities are free.

I try not to use too much though. Somebody's paying for it.

12:52PM PST on Feb 6, 2011

ty very interesting, except from covering the floors you can just as well put some warm slippers on your feet. I have the temperature down and I continuous walk around with 2 blankets, its to reduce heat but also the money.

Ashley G.

9:10PM PST on Dec 29, 2010

Don't forget to wear nice and snug slippers (I recommend the boot slippers!) and a house coat! Herbal tea is best when you want a warm drink that isn't too bad for your diet. I also will leave the oven open a crack to let the heat come out when I am done with it and it is cooling down. No use letting the heat stay trapped in there when it could be heating the kitchen a bit!

Megan B.

11:59PM PST on Dec 20, 2010

thanks

Amy N.

7:58PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

Being from MI where winters can be down right brutal at times, I have put to use pretty much all your great tips. The beds all have flannel sheets and an extra blanket or two for those nights when the temps hit single digits.
And since the birth of the Snuggie, I can now do all my chores around the house without having to worry about dragging a blanket around,lol.