High heating bills pack a real punch into homeowners' budgets each winter. Sure, it's not cheap to keep your entire house warm, but that doesn't mean you accept this as an annual hit to your wallet. Consider these tips from our real estate agents that are free or low-cost tricks for staying warm and saving money.

1. Turn Down Your Thermostat
   Turning your thermostat down a few degrees can shave up to 10% off your heating bill. Whether you're going to be at work all day, running some errands for a few hours, or will be headed out for the weekend, lower your thermostat temperature by 3 to 7 degrees. If you're slightly forgetful or the back and forth is just getting on your nerves, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. You can set it to adjust the heat on a predetermined schedule. Many are Wi-Fi compatible and let you control your thermostat from an app.
   
   
2. Seal Up Air Leaks
   Air leaks allow heat to escape your home easily. Light a candle, and let's do some detective work here. Hold the flame near doors, windows, light fixtures, ceilings, walls, switches, and in areas where cables and wires enter your house. If you see the flame flicker, that could mean you've spotted an air leak. Sealing up those air leaks is as easy as applying some inexpensive caulking, weather stripping, or adding insulating material.
   
   
3. Let Ceiling Fans Work to Your Advantage
   Yep, you read that right. Ceiling fans are typically meant to cool down a room, but they can also be good at warming them up and helping you save on heating bill costs. During cold weather, get that fan to spin clockwise and keep it on the lowest setting. This will push warm air downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
   
   
4. Don't Let Heat Escape 
   If you don't use a certain room in your house, why heat it? Everyone knows that turning off the lights when exiting a room helps lower your electric bill. The same goes for keeping your windows and doors shut when you leave a room. Even when you're in the room, shutting the doors will allow the heat to hang out in the room, reducing the load on your HVAC system. If you aren't using your fireplace, seal the chimney flue and ensure the glass door is in place to minimize heat loss.
   
   
5. Use a Humidifier
   The air in your home tends to be dry during the winter months. Using a humidifier can help put some moisture in the air and keep your home warm without causing a dramatic increase in your heating bill. The moisture released by the humidifier will retain heat, keeping you more comfortable. 
   
   
6. Let the Sun Hit Things Up
   When the sun comes out, open your shades, curtains, and blinds to make the best use of "passive solar gain." Your home's exterior walls can soak the heat and give some serious warmth the old-fashioned way. 
   
   
7. Call for a Checkup
   Proper maintenance of your heating systems can make a big difference in your home's heating efficiency. You can keep your furnaces or heaters running at peak performance by having them checked by a professional at least once a year. It also pays to have your ductwork fixed to prevent the loss of heated air. Similarly, you should change the air filters to allow better airflow and reduce the strain on your furnace.

Are you looking for beautiful and winter-ready property among the wonderful Richmond homes for sale? Contact us to get started.