Winter is here, and with it comes the need to crank up the thermostat. As temperatures drop and heaters hum, energy bills can skyrocket—especially in places like Bellingham, WA, where the cold is bone-chilling. To top it all, you will experience a lot of rain! Combined with the high cost of living, these expenses can feel like an added weight. But don’t worry—there are plenty of smart, simple upgrades you can make around your home to stay warm without burning through your wallet.
Want to know about these upgrades and how they can help lower your bills? Keep reading!
1. Heat Pump Inspection and Maintenance
Heat pumps are a popular choice for homeowners looking for efficient heating and cooling. However, like any major appliance, heat pumps require regular maintenance to run at their best. Over time, dust, debris, or wear and tear can reduce their efficiency, causing your energy bills to climb.
This is especially true in places like Bellingham, WA, where winters are harsh and heating systems are pushed to their limits. With the area’s higher-than-average cost of living, an inefficient heat pump could mean throwing money out the window. Schedule an annual heat pump inspection and hire experienced professionals for heat pump maintenance in Bellingham, WA, who will ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency.
2. Seal Up Those Drafts
Drafty windows and doors are like open invitations for cold air to sneak inside your home. These small leaks might not seem like a major problem, but they can really force your heating system to work harder. The good news is that sealing drafts is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make.
All you have to do is check for gaps around windows and doors. Then, use weatherstripping to seal leaks where the window frame meets the wall and apply caulk to any visible cracks. For doors, consider installing draft stoppers or door sweeps to block cold air from slipping through. These quick fixes can make an immediate difference, ensuring that the warm air stays inside where it belongs.
3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Your thermostat might be small, but it has a big impact on your energy bills. Traditional thermostats keep your heater running constantly, often wasting energy when you’re asleep or away from home. Smart thermostats solve this problem by giving you greater control over your home’s temperature.
These devices can be programmed to lower the heat during the hours you don’t need it—like when you’re at work or tucked under a blanket at night. Many smart thermostats also come with learning features, so they adapt to your schedule and optimize energy use automatically. With a relatively low upfront cost, this upgrade can pay for itself quickly through reduced energy bills while keeping your home perfectly cozy.
4. Add or Improve Insulation
If your home isn’t properly insulated, it’s like trying to keep warm with a jacket full of holes. Heat escapes through poorly insulated attics, walls, and basements, leaving your heater working overtime to compensate. The result? Higher energy costs and a less comfortable home. Improving insulation is a game-changing upgrade. Start with the attic, as heat rises, and can escape quickly if insulation is inadequate. Materials like fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam are effective at reducing heat loss. Don’t forget to check walls and floors, too, especially in older homes where insulation might be lacking. Proper insulation ensures your home retains heat, lowering energy bills and increasing comfort during those bitter winter months.
5. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Old or single-pane windows can be a major source of heat loss. They let warm air escape and cold air creep in, undoing the hard work of your heating system. Replacing these with double-
or triple-pane energy-efficient windows can drastically reduce heat loss and improve overall energy performance.
While replacing windows may seem expensive initially, the savings on your energy bills over time can make it well worth the cost. If a full replacement isn’t in the cards, consider applying insulating window films or using thermal curtains. These options are budget-friendly but still help keep your home warmer and your bills lower.
6. Use a Water Heater Blanket
Your water heater works overtime in winter, especially if it’s located in an uninsulated space like a basement or garage. A large amount of heat can escape from the tank, forcing your water heater to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Insulating it with a water heater blanket is a simple and cost-effective solution that can reduce heat loss by up to 45%.
Water heater blankets are inexpensive, easy to install, and widely available at hardware stores. They work best on older water heaters, which tend to lack proper insulation. By keeping the water inside the tank warmer for longer, this upgrade reduces energy usage and helps you save on utility bills without compromising your access to hot water.
7. Install a Door Sweep
It’s easy to overlook the small gaps under your doors, but these tiny openings can let in cold air and allow warm air to escape. This seemingly minor issue forces your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors is a quick, affordable fix that can make a noticeable difference.
Door sweeps are designed to create a tight seal at the base of your door, preventing drafts from slipping through. They’re particularly effective on doors that lead to unheated areas, like garages or patios. Combined with weatherstripping and draft stoppers, door sweeps can help you keep every corner of your home cozy and energy-efficient.
8. Optimize Your Fireplace
A crackling fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, but it can also be a source of energy loss if not properly managed. When not in use, an open damper allows warm air to escape straight up the chimney, while cold drafts can sneak in.
So, how can you optimize your fireplace? Simply keep the damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use. Consider installing a chimney balloon or draft stopper to block cold air further. If you love using your fireplace often, upgrading to a fireplace insert can improve energy efficiency by trapping heat and distributing it into your home. These steps ensure you enjoy the cozy charm of a fire without sacrificing your home’s warmth or efficiency.
Give Winter a Warm Welcome
Winter may bring frigid temperatures and rising utility bills, but it doesn’t have to strain your wallet. By making these simple upgrades, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce unnecessary heat loss, and save money month after month. Whether it’s maintaining your heat pump, upgrading insulation, or sealing up drafts, these changes will help you stay warm, comfortable, and stress-free all winter long.
