This winter, many of us can expect to pay significantly more on our gas bills due to supply shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Although you need heat to keep yourself comfortable while staying indoors, the costs can add up if you aren’t careful.

Nonetheless, there are many steps you can take to lower your heating costs if you are savvy enough. With that in mind, here are some tips for lowering your heating bill this winter.

Utilize natural sunlight

In addition to using more gas when staying indoors, you will also use more electricity to power your lights. Luckily, you can kill two birds with one stone for lowering your bills by harnessing the power of natural sunlight.

Even though winter doesn’t receive as much sun as summertime, by keeping your curtains, shades, and blinds open on all of your windows during the day, you can start reaping the financial benefits without spending a dime. Letting the sun in will heat your home and keep it nice and bright. However, be sure to close your blinds and curtains after the sun goes down to keep your home well-insulated at night.

Wear layers indoors

You won’t need to heat your home as much if your internal body heat is higher than usual. For this reason, you will want to wear more layers while spending time indoors this winter. Wearing long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and sweatpants will keep you warm without your having to touch the thermostat.

Also, if those layers aren’t enough, you can use a blanket for extra comfort and warmth. Investing in some thermal socks might do the trick as well, but if you don’t want to spend on another pair, you can wear two pairs of socks as long as they aren’t too tight.

Changing your air filter

Sometimes, turning on the heat is inevitable when the weather is exceptionally cold. If you want your HVAC system to work more efficiently, try changing your furnace filter so that it doesn’t have to overwork itself.

When your air filter gets clogged, it causes your HVAC system to work harder to achieve the same result. Lowering your heating bill highlights the importance of a clean furnace filter.

Overall, you don’t have to freeze this winter just to save some money. By following these tips for lowering your heating bill this winter, you shouldn’t have a problem getting the best of both worlds.