Ways to Save Money This Winter on Heating Bills

October 11, 2023

Winter’s not that far away here in Maryland, and with the colder weather comes the high heating bills that burden many households. It can be stressful to think about the growing costs as temperatures drop.

But what if there were ways to heat your home more efficiently and lower your monthly heating bill? And what if there were significant home upgrade opportunities like weatherization assistance that would result in major savings and not cost you anything? Let’s explore the different ways you can save on your heating bill this winter.

Smaller Do-It-Yourself Tips to Lower Heating Bills

Every little bit of savings can help. Here are five straightforward ideas to help you reduce your heating bill that won’t break the bank:

Close Your Blinds: Keeping blinds and curtains closed at night traps heat in your home. On the flip side, make sure you’re letting plenty of sunlight into your home during the day to help you take advantage of the sun’s free energy.
Adjust the Thermostat: Lower it by a few degrees at night. You won’t notice the difference, but your wallet will.
Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans aren’t just used in summer. Many also have a reverse setting that pushes rising warm air back down to your level in the winter, keeping you cozy.
Seal Drafts: Use draft stoppers or sealants to close gaps around doors and windows. This reduces indoor drafts and wasted heat.
Regular Maintenance: Cleaning your heating vents and changing your furnace’s air filters will ensure more efficient operation, saving money.

Bigger Home Upgrades That Lead to Bigger Savings

While DIY changes help, there are larger upgrades that can significantly reduce heating costs. For many, these upgrades may seem out of reach financially, but that’s where CAC’s no-cost Maryland weatherization assistance programs can help.

Upgrade Insulation: Proper insulation is vital for retaining heat, reducing the amount of energy required to maintain warmth.
Air Sealing: Plugging leaks in your home can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Your heating system will run less frequently, saving money.
Heating System: If your heating system is old or not working properly, it’s likely wasting money. Newer or repaired systems are more efficient and can save a considerable amount on bills.
Hot Water Heater: Upgrading or repairing your water heater can reduce energy costs substantially as it’s a significant energy consumer in most homes.

The best part of all is that with our Maryland weatherization assistance programs, you can make these significant upgrades without worrying about the cost. CAC’s weatherization assistance is designed to help income-qualified households make these essential upgrades at no expense.

How Our Weatherization Program Works

One of the most surprising aspects of our weatherization programs is how many households are under the impression that they aren’t eligible when they are. For instance, if you’re a family of four with an annual household income of less than $94,650, you qualify! Learn more about income eligibility here.

Here’s how it works:

Fill out our simple intake form.
Our dedicated team will then be in touch. Depending on your situation, you might proceed directly to scheduling a home energy assessment, or we might need a full weatherization assistance program application.
Benefit from upgrades! Remember, both homeowners and renters can take advantage of this program. So whether you own a house or rent, you can enjoy a warmer, more energy efficient home this winter.

Don’t let high heating bills stress you out this winter. From small DIY changes to taking advantage of programs like home weatherization assistance, there are many ways to save. Warm up to the idea of a cozier winter and start the process of lowering your bills today!