According to the Energy Information Administration, energy costs are expected to increase for homeowners during the winter season, due to home heating fuel costs. In addition, when the days are shorter, homeowners tend to use more electricity to light their home. Add all of that on top of the lighting that homeowners use to decorate the exterior of their home during the holiday season, and the winter months are bound to come with energy bills that will raise more than a few eyebrows. For this reason, it’s important to look for ways that you can save energy in your home this winter…

Professional window tinting

First of all, the number one way that cold is transferring into most homes, while the warmth is transferring out, is through glass windows. Even if you have your windows shut and the curtains closed, glass is going to be a major conductor for the cold. In order to combat this, getting professional window tinting treatments on your home windows can help insulate your windows, so that they are just as effective as a wall at keeping the cold weather out.

Open your curtains and blinds on sun-exposed windows

If you have window tinting treatments, then you don’t need to worry as much about keeping your blinds or curtains closed. As a matter of fact, there are times during the day when it is far more beneficial to keep them open. For example, if the sun is directly hitting any windows in your home, then it is going to transfer eat onto the window, which lessens the effect of the cold, outside.

Schedule your thermostat

Your thermostat doesn’t always need to be working hard to keep your home at a livable temperature. For example, if you are at work for most of the day, and noone is home, then there’s no point in spending so much energy trying to keep your home at 70 degrees. Likewise, letting your home cool down during the evening, when you are likely to be tucked away in comfy blankets and pajamas anyways, is pretty much a waste. For this reason, think about your homebound schedule, and set your thermostat to reflect the times you really need your home to be warm.