8 easy tips to save money and stay warm this winter

LOS ANGELES - When it comes to winterizing their homes, most people are left standing in the cold. If you follow these handy tips, however, you‘ll save money while also staying nice and toasty. 

First, make sure you replace or clean your furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Clean filters will reduce the strain on your unit and save on energy costs. 

Run your ceiling fans in reverse. By switching fans to rotate clockwise, you’ll force warm air back down toward the floor. This alone can cut your heating costs by 10 percent!

Turn down your water heater. Most are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but lowering it to 120 degrees will still be hot enough and will cut your costs by 6 to 10 percent. 

Eliminate drafts. As reported by Business Insider, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates people waste 5 to 30 percent of their energy because of them. Try using a draft snake or some towels for a simple, but effective solution. 

Insulate your pipes by wrapping foam around them. It will help prevent them from freezing, and keep your hot water running cheaply. 

Install storm doors. A storm door can increase energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent.

Keep an eye on your thermostat, and don’t forget to turn it down if you’re going away. For every degree you lower it, you could save between 1 and 3 percent of your heating bill. 

While you’re figuring out what a comfortable temperature is on your thermostat, do so while wearing some heavier clothes. According to Popular Mechanics, a light sweater is equivalent to two extra degrees of warmth while a heavy sweater can add four degrees. 

And if you need some extra incentive, just think about the extra presents you’ll be able to buy during the holidays with the money you’ve saved. 

Watch the video to see how to winterize your home.