Hibachi Xpress

Raleigh’s coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 29.6°F. Here are some frugal ways to stay warm this winter.

• Let in some light. Open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Close them in the evening to add a bit more insulation. This provides just enough mid-day warmth that we don’t need the heater.
• Use rugs on bare floors. Do you have hardwood floors above a poorly-insulated basement? These floors are cold in the morning and the late afternoon. An area rug does a fine job of keeping feet warmer.
• Block drafts. This is best done with weather-stripping or other forms of insulation, but even a blanket in front of a door helps. If your house is old and nothing is level it can be difficult to install weather stripping. By laying a blanket in front of the door, you can mitigate some of the heat loss. Also add weather-strip along the lower horizontal edge of windows where they meets the sill
• Add polystyrene insulation to interior of garage overhead door if applicable
• Use space heaters. According to Michael Bluejay’s energy guide, this is the single best way to save money on electricity. A radiator-type oil heater uses a lot of power, but not nearly as much as a furnace. They take a while to get warm, but once they’re going, they can heat a small space cheaply.
• Bundle up. Cold-weather clothes: long underwear, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves. Some days just bundle up and turn down the heat. It’s cozy. And don’t forget: house slippers go a long way to keeping you warm!
• Install a programmable thermostat. They’re easy to install and an excellent way to cut your heating costs. You can set it for 54 at night and when we’re gone during the day.
• Use an electric blanket. There’s no need to heat the entire house when you’re asleep. There’s no need to even heat the bedroom. An electric blanket is cheaper and cozier. (A blanket with dual-controls is best.) Also try a down comforter and flannel bottom sheet to keep you cozy at night.
• Change the furnace filter. A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder, decreasing its efficiency, increasing heating costs. Change the furnace filter at the start of the season, and once every month or two thereafter.
• Close unused rooms. Do not heat them. This winter, close off the guest room and shut the heater vent. That room is now separate from the rest of the house. It stays cold, but there’s no reason to keep it warm.
• Add insulation. By adding just a little more insulation to the attic and crawlspace subfloor could save far more money than what the insulation costs!
• Insulate your water heater. This is an easy and good way to save money
• Close your foundation vents and seal them with polystyrene foam
• Seal around the attic pull-down with weather-strip

These steps can reduce your heating costs immediately. In the long term, your best bet is to make sure your home is properly insulated. You should also check that your heat source is efficient, and that you’re not losing heat in unintended locations.