Those chilly evenings can tempt homeowners to turn up the thermostat just a skosh. Yet, the difference between just a few degrees can mean a much heftier heating bill. If you don’t have natural gas heat, refilling the propane tank sooner may be the result(which translates into a higher bill as well). Heating the entire home via electricity can also be expensive.
There are some things you can do instead. Try adding an extra layer of warm clothing (hoodie, robe, slippers, etc). Grab a blanket or even an electric throw. There are also some nice options in blanket wraps. They are simple blankets with snaps sewed strategically in place. You can button it up like a sleeping bag, or secure the snaps in a way that makes “sleeves” so it’s more like a heavy duty robe.
Add some accent rugs to absorb cold from floors. Keeping feet warm is important. Snuggling is good too, not only for warmth but also for the spirit. Snuggling up together on the couch to watch TV is a great way to keep each warm.
Consider running a space heater during the evening if everyone is gathered in the living room or family room. It may be just enough to keep everyone comfortable, without running the furnace more to raise the temperature in the entire house.
Since everyone is covered up once in bed, you can also turn the heat down a bit after everyone retires. Make sure each family member is dressed warmly for bed and has warm covers. If you have a “smart” thermostat, you can set it to turn the heat down late night and turn it up to a more comfortable level in the morning as everyone in the home begins to rise.
With a few adjustments, you can keep your heat bill more manageable.