How to Shrink Your Heating Bill But Still Stay Warm

If utilities are not included with your rent, you may find your heating bill to be higher than you’d like during the colder months of the year. Running a furnace—both gas- and electricity-powered—is one of the most expensive utilities you’ll have. In order to lower your monthly bill without freezing in your apartment, try the following:

Lower Your Thermostat a Few Degrees

You’ll still need heat in your apartment during the winter and cold parts of autumn and spring. However, just turning down the thermostat a few degrees can make a dramatic difference in your heating bill, literally saving you tens or even hundreds of dollars, depending on how large your apartment is, how often you have the furnace running and how many degrees you lower the thermostat. You can make up for the drop in temperature with a few other heating tips.

Wrap Windows in Plastic Film

Windows are the easiest way for warm air to escape your apartment and cold air to come in. Since you won’t need to open your windows when it’s cold out, you should use plastic window film to cover the windows and help insulate your apartment. Window insulator kits typically come with double-sided tape, which you put all around your window sills. You then stick the film in place and use a hair dryer to tighten the film. When it warms up, it’s simple to peel away the film and tape without damaging the window sills. Insulating the windows will help lower your heating bill by trapping warm air inside. Don’t forget to put film around a sliding glass door if you have one.

Use Draft Guards on the Door

If your apartment door opens to the outside, it’s especially important that you use a draft guard on the door in order to lower your monthly heating bill. Simply push the guard against the bottom of the door whenever you’re going to stay at the apartment and overnight especially. This blocks the cold air from coming in under the door and helps trap warm air inside.

Use Portable Heaters

A portable heater tends to use electricity, but it uses far less than a furnace. (There are gas-powered portable heaters, but they’re more dangerous.) Using a portable heater to heat the area in the apartment in which you’re spending time offers immediate warmth that won’t raise your heating bill much—typically less than fifty cents per hour. However, do not run portable heaters unattended or overnight, as they can be fire hazards when knocked over.

Dress in Layers, Use Blankets and Drink Warm Drinks

There are a few other basic tips to follow in order to stay warm in your apartment as you lower your heating bill. Dress in layers, including thermal underwear if necessary. Cover yourself in a blanket even when just sitting around the apartment. Drink warm drinks such as tea, cocoa, cider and coffee in order to warm yourself from the inside.