Wouldn't it be nice to keep the temperature of your home more comfortable this winter and save money on your heating bill in the process? Whether through home improvement projects or simple, smart tips for saving energy around the house, there are plenty of ways to save money on heating during the coldest months. As a bonus, some of the best tips for reducing your heating bill will also help you eliminate drafts and make it easier to keep your home at just the right temperature. Our REALTORS® are here to help you get started with five tips for reducing your heating bill.

1. Have Your Furnace Serviced Every Year
   Besides the fact that you definitely want your furnace to be working at its best when the cold weather comes, having your furnace serviced annually helps save on heating bills. An experienced pro can check for any issues with your heating system, make sure it's working at maximum efficiency, and help ensure that you have a cozy, comfortable winter. After your furnace is serviced, don't forget to replace the filter every month or as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat for Control and Savings
   Whether you've just finished shopping for Beavercreek homes for sale or have been living in your current residence for a while, not every home comes equipped with a smart, programmable thermostat. But it's easy to add one to your home and enjoy some serious savings in the process! A programmable thermostat allows you to avoid wasting heat while you're out of the house while still keeping it warm and cozy for when you come home. You can install a programmable thermostat yourself or have the experts handle it to so everything goes smoothly.

3. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
   Proper insulation is one of the biggest keys to keeping your home comfortable and lowering your heating bill. Many older homes, especially those built before 1980, may not meet the modern standards for insulation. Attics are among the most common culprits for heat loss, so you can start by making sure your attic has all of the insulation that it needs. Updating the insulation in your home can be a big job, but the cost typically isn't prohibitive, and you will benefit from the results for many years to come.

4. Seal Drafts to Save Money and Stay Comfortable
   Feeling a draft? Instead of grabbing another blanket, do your heating budget a favor by eliminating the problem at its source. The most common areas for drafts are unsealed windows, doors, vents, and any opening where pipes enter your home from the outdoors. With a mix of caulk, weather stripping, and spray foam insulation, you can seal almost any draft in the home. Eliminating drafts helps keep heat from escaping, and keeps cold, outdoor air from making it into your home.

5. Use the Fireplace for Atmosphere, Not Heating
   While a roaring fire in the fireplace makes for a great atmosphere and memorable setting during a cold winter night, using a fireplace is actually one of the least efficient ways to heat the home. Chimney leaks can let cold air in while letting a significant amount of the heat generated by the fire escape from the chimney. Use your fireplace for enjoyment, but don't count on it to heat your home.

Searching for the perfect home that will keep you warm, cozy, and comfortable this year? We can help. Contact Wright-Patt Realty to buy and sell homes in the Beavercreek, OH area.