Making sure your home is well heated is important every winter, but it’s especially important as Baltimore faces an arctic blast.

Marylanders are no strangers to high heating costs, so here are some tips to conserve your heat and save money.

Watch your thermostat

You can save up to 5% on heating costs for each degree you lower the thermostat, according to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners keep the temperature to 68 degrees or below in the winter. You can also lower the thermostat when you’re out of the house for extended periods of time and at night when you’re sleeping.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

I choose to lower my heat to 66 degrees when I sleep, and I make up for that by using flannel sheets and a copious number of blankets on my bed to keep myself, and my cat Chimichanga, warm.

Pay attention to your windows

Consider keeping the shades open during the day to let the sun naturally warm up your space. At night, make sure to close your curtains or shades to retain heat.

Read More

Winter storm update: Worst-case scenario for Baltimore is 10 inches of snow

Additionally, you can buy plastic window insulation, which is relatively inexpensive.

Plastic insulation can provide a barrier to reduce air leakage around windows and protect from cold.
Plastic insulation can provide a barrier to reduce air leakage around windows and protect from the cold. (Ariel Zambelich/The Baltimore Banner)

The plastic insulation can provide a barrier to reduce air leakage around the windows, reduce condensation and serve as a thermal resistance. The plastic also works well in the summer to keep your house cool.

You can also see if you’re eligible for government grants to get your home insulated.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Insulation is everything

Besides windows, it’s important to keep an eye on your home’s insulation. There are simple ways you can keep the cold draft out, such as adding weatherproofing strips to seal air leaks in windows, using electrical socket sealers and implementing door snakes.

And, if you live in an old rowhome with a chimney, consider plugging it.

Use your ceiling fan

Ceiling fans don’t only work to cool you down. Consider reversing your ceiling fans so that the blades rotate clockwise, which creates an updraft that circulates warm air around the room.

This tip is especially helpful if you live in an older home with inefficient ductwork.

When in doubt, add a layer

Cold weather clothing doesn’t have to be worn just outside. It’s important to layer up, even when you’re at home. Consider warm socks or slippers, and leave throw blankets around the house.

I get a lot of use out of my Comfy, but I live alone and don’t have to bear the thought of anyone seeing me in a gigantic blanket with sleeves.