Alright ladies, listen up…then bundle up. This is going to be a bit painful. According to the Chicago Tribune, home heating costs are going to increase this winter…regardless if your home is heated by oil, gas, propane or electricity. Most Chicagoans use natural gas to heat their homes, as do half of the US population. The price for this type of heating is expected to increase by approximately 18% this year. We hear you…that’s enough to buy a new winter coat! But this is an opportunity for PoorLittleRichGirls to shine. If you are smart about your winter habits this year, it’s possible to thwart this annoying extra cost…and even save enough for a new pair of (fill in the blank)’s.

PLRG found some great tips on how to keep your costs under control this winter:

This one might seem obvious - but lower your thermostat! According to the Energy Information Administration, you save one to three percent on your heating bill for each lowered degree. Also - when you feel a chill, don’t over-adjust the thermostat. This only makes your furnace work harder, and in turn costs you more money.

Avoid using your kitchen and/or bathroom vent fans. The vents actually allow cool air to circulate, which although are helpful in de-fogging your bathroom mirror, work against your heating system.

Work with Mother Nature! Open blinds or curtains on windows facing the sun during the day…and then at night close them to keep the warmth from escaping.

Focus on where you are. Close off parts of your home that are rarely used…and even consider using space heaters in the rooms you spend most of your time, as opposed to cranking the heat through the entire space.

Your water counts! We love taking long hot showers as much as the next PLRG, but this can affect your heating bills more than you may think. Lowering the shower temp a few degrees and/or installing a water-saving shower head can save you significant money. This applies to your laundry too! Wash your clothes in cold water when you can and notice the difference in your heating costs.

Be anti-draft (and we’re not talking politics here). If you have a fireplace, consider installing a draft stopper to help keep cold air out of the flue. These are basically inflatable pillows that you insert into the flue.

Stripping. Don’t get excited - we mean weather stripping. This in an inexpensive way to save yourself up to 30% in heating costs. You can find these at any Home Depot or Ace Hardware and are easy to install wherever there are cracks, gaps or drafts in your home.  Focus around windows and doors.

If you take anything away from this article, remember that “Wrap It Up” must not only apply to your extra-curricular activities, but also to the home that you live in.  Like we told you- bundle up, ladies. 

(Story by Noelle Provencial)