The Home Heating Upgrades You Haven’t Heard of To Save Money This Winter
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
There are plenty of heating hacks to help you save money. Leave your oven open after you turn it off to let the hot air escape into the house. Reverse your fan blades to move hot air from the ceiling to lower in the room. Open window shades during the day so the sun will heat your house naturally.
But what about actual home heating upgrades that improve your home’s energy efficiency? Consider these home upgrades to save money on heat this winter.
Also see how much you’re paying for utilities in your state.
Zoned HVAC
Often, you don’t need every part of your home heated perfectly. Separate thermostat controls to set different rooms or zones at different temperatures have jumped in popularity this year, according to Chris Hunter of ServiceTitan.
“Zoned systems can reduce energy usage up to 30% by avoiding heating unused rooms. The total installation cost typically ranges from $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the number of zones in your home,” he said.
Radiator Efficiency Upgrades
If your home uses radiators, you can install smart valves to get that same fine-tuned control over heating different rooms. Try replacing the manual valves with smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature in different rooms through a phone app.
Martyn Fowler of Elite Renewables also recommended installing reflector panels behind your radiators. “Installing a reflective foil panel behind the radiator helps to bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it seep into the wall. Most reflector panels come pre-cut or in rolls that you trim to size, and you just slide them behind the radiator. The whole job takes a few minutes per radiator,” he said.
Solar Water Heater
Everyone understands solar panels that generate electricity, but solar water heaters are simpler: The sun directly heats water before it flows into your water heater.
“Homeowners can expect to see a reduction in their monthly water heating costs ranging from 50% to 70%,” explained Ethan Heine of Suntrek Solar.
Window Film and Inserts
Houses lose huge amounts of heat through their windows. But you don’t need to replace your windows to boost efficiency.
Start by considering plastic window film kits, which are cheap and easy to install yourself. You can even buy film kits for the window frame to save even more money.
Window specialist Phil Adkins of Adkins & Sons also recommended interior window inserts, which mimic double-paned glass to create a thin buffer of air. He added that coverings help even more. “Layering cellular shades with insulated curtains delivers much better insulation than using either one alone,” he said.
Air Seal Your Rim Joists
Basement rim joists are notorious for leaking air and energy. By sealing them, you can trap the heat inside where it belongs.
“It’s one of those areas that is always moving air and you lose more heat than you think,” said Danny Niemela of ArDan Construction. “In the majority of homes it costs under $1,000 and will save you 10%-15% of your heating cost. But you can start out with a $6 can of foam and some hard board for a quick improvement.”
More From GOBankingRates
