Winter is here and we in the New England feel it worse than most. Winter means heating your home for maximum comfort. With the shift in weather comes an increase in the electricity bill as homes aim to stay warmer due to heating systems.
During the day, winter in New England can be nice, but at night it gets very cold. It can also make your electricity bill very expensive. We think there are a few simple ways to decorate your home that can help you save money on heating costs this winter without sacrificing comfort.
1. Use accessories to add more warmth to your home this winter. Fluffy pillows and throws are great. Warm-up your style with warm colours and textures. Earthy colours like red, orange and yellow make you feel happy and content, as do beautiful warm natural colours like khaki and different shades of creams and browns. Warm colours are great for making a cosy atmosphere. You can drape a throw blanket over the back of a sofa or chair, or on cold nights, you could even use it as a bedspread. Make sure to choose a fabric that is warm and snug, like fleece, wool, faux fur, or a soft, warm cotton. If you want an extra layer of insulation, you might want to buy a thermal blanket.
2. Adding floor rugs to your home is a great idea, and it's cheaper than replacing your carpets. You can put rugs on top of old carpets or use them to separate rooms. Rugs not only make your floors warmer and more comfortable, but they can also help keep the heat in your home. Make sure to choose rugs with a thick pile so they can keep your home warm the best. A soft, warm one next to your bed can make all the difference for your partner. You don't want to wake up with feet that feel like icicles.
3. Buy some warm bedding. Buying some good quality bedding is another great way to stay warm in the winter. A thick quilt or duvet (which some Australians call "Donas") will help keep you warm at night by insulating your body. Make sure that your sheets are also warm, like flannel or cotton.
4. Put on more than one layer of clothing. This is one of the best ways to stay warm and save money on your electricity bill. Start with a thin layer of material, like cotton, and add a layer of wool or fleece on top. This will help keep you warm by keeping heat close to your body. Putting on a jacket could give you the extra warmth you need.
5. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Try to use energy-efficient appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher when you can. Turn off the second fridge you use in the summer to keep drinks cold. This will not only help you save money on your electricity bill, but it will also help the environment. If you don't need new appliances right now, there's no need to go out and buy them. But the next time you're shopping for new ones, make sure to look at how energy efficient they are. You might be surprised to find out that many of the appliances you think are energy efficient are not at all.
6. Shower time: You've probably heard this one before, but it's true: taking shorter showers is a simple way to save money on your electricity bill. Try to do things in less than five minutes to save water and energy. When it's cold, this can be hard! At the end of the shower, I turn off the hot water and finish with a 20-second blast of cold water. After that, I'm ready to get out!
7. Last but not least, don't forget your windows! Adjusting your blinds and curtains is another great way to save money on your electricity bill. Keeping your curtains and blinds open during the day will let light and sunshine in and help warm up your home, so you won't have to turn on the heat as much.
