Despite global warming, it’s been cold this winter in many parts of the world.

So it’s safe to assume that you have been cranking up the heat in your home. And it’s probably also safe to assume that some heat—and your hard earned cash—are leaking out.

Hands down the most cost effective and efficient way to ensure that heat doesn’t escape your home is to make sure it is properly sealed and insulated. Unnoticed gaps and cracks in home can cause your heater to work extra hard which financially means you are paying more to heat your home. Making sure you seal up the windows with plastic and weather stripping, as well as the doors, and ceilings in the home will help keep heat and cash inside your home.

You should also head up to the attic to see if you can add to the current insulation of your home. Adding to the insulation in your home will make the biggest difference in the shortest amount of time possible.

Purchasing a “smart” thermostat requires a small investment but can pay off big in the long run. These thermostats can be set to heat the home at certain times of the day which can greatly increase savings on your energy bill. The eight hours a day that you are at work, and the eight hours a night you are asleep are the best times to turn the heat down. Doing this will save a bundle every month. For extreme convenience thermostats like the “Nest” also have an app for your phone that allows the thermostat to be programmed when you are away from home.

Also, heating only those areas of your home that you’re consistently using is a fantastic way to go green while heating. If you aren’t in the basement much then close the vents and direct the heat toward those rooms that you do frequently use. There is no sense in pumping heat into a room you never use.

Of course there are alternative heating options that will also greatly reduce your monthly energy bill. Investing in a clean burning wood stove will provide your home with plenty of warmth and can even add some charm to the décor of your home.

Follow these tips and you will certainly see some positive changes in your winter utility bill.

Adapted from our friends at Living Green Magazine.

Living Green Magazine informs and educates readers with environmental news and lifestyle articles. It highlights nonprofit causes and provides sustainable solutions for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Its readers come in all shades of green, and want to create a healthy environment for themselves and others. Living Green Magazine–Where Green Is Read.

Like elephant Green on Facebook

Ed: Brianna Bemel
Asst. Editor: Edith Lazenby