Start by insulating the attic and turning down the thermostat at night. And your father's suggestion: wear a sweater.

Give any friend a story

As a subscriber, you can give away 10 gift articles every month. Anyone can read what you share.

Home heating costs are expected to increase significantly this winter, but there is still time to take measures to make your living space more energy efficient and reduce costs.

Part of the reason for the recent surge in inflation is the soaring cost of natural gas, heating oil, propane and electricity, which may not be good news for consumers who have been accustomed to lowering fuel prices in recent years.

According to the Federal Energy Information Administration, nearly half of American households mainly use natural gas for heating, and their spending on heating will increase by an average of 29% this winter. Households using heating oil and propane will face double-digit growth, while electricity costs are expected to increase by an average of 6%. If the temperature is much higher or lower than expected, these costs may vary.

Regardless of the fuel used, now is the time to make your home more comfortable and save on heating costs.

"It's not too late," said Doug Anderson, project manager of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program, which researches and promotes cost-effective ways to make homes more energy-efficient. "Do it now."

Start in your attic. The heat rises, so your house tends to lose warmth at the top. Just as wearing a hat in winter keeps you warm, repairing or adding insulation in the attic will help keep your house comfortable, said Richard Tretherway, a heating and plumbing contractor The merchant is also a frequent visitor of the home renovation show "This Old House".

"Look at the'hat' on your building," he said. "Insulate at the top."

He said that through a simple visual inspection, you can get a good idea of ​​where insulation is needed. Reposition any insulating material that has moved. Pay attention to any gaps between the pipe and the circumference of the pipe. Mr. Trethewey said that you can also buy relatively inexpensive thermal imaging camera accessories for your mobile phone, which can help pinpoint the areas of heat leakage.

If you have a truck to tow it home and don’t mind soiling and itching, you can add insulation yourself. For example, rigid foam insulation can be cut and wedged between the joists (horizontal beams at the bottom of the attic) to supplement the existing insulation. According to Energy Star, the materials used can even enjoy tax credits of up to $500.

But for many homeowners, professional installation is preferable. "It becomes rough for people," Mr. Tretherway said.

To fully understand the heating situation of your home, you can arrange a residential energy assessment, also called an energy audit. Some gaps may be obvious, such as the light between the outer door and its frame. This can be solved by applying weather strips to prevent draughts.

Nancy Kaplan, director of workforce development at the Building Performance Institute, said: "If you are close to a window and you can feel the breeze, you know there is a problem.

However, the chief executive officer of the institute, Larry Zarker, said that other leaks may not be obvious, and many homeowners lack the tools or skills to find them. For example, a detailed energy audit usually includes the temporary installation of a special blower on the door to depressurize your house. This will draw air into the house through any gaps, showing the areas that should be sealed or insulated (identifiable by a thermal imaging camera).

Ms. Kaplan said that the cost of a home energy audit can be between $200 and $500, depending on your location and the size of your house, but some utilities will cover the cost.

The Department of Energy provides a weatherproof program for low-income households that can help pay for recommended upgrades, such as increased insulation or more efficient heating systems.

First, please consult your local utility company or the weathering agency in your state.

You can turn down the thermostat when you are sleeping or when you are away, thereby saving heating bills. The programmable thermostat can do it for you automatically. The Department of Energy estimates that by lowering the thermostat from its normal setting by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, eight hours a day, you can save up to 10% on heating bills each year.

Even if you work from home, you can still see savings: the department recommends that you set the thermostat to 68 degrees when you are awake and turn it down when you are asleep.

For recommendations on which smart thermostat to use, see the ratings of Wirecutter, the New York Times' product rating affiliate. "Consumer Reports" ranked the traditional programmable thermostat as well as the updated version of the web link.

If low-income families cannot afford heating bills, they may be eligible for financial assistance. Please consult your state agency or contact the Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

Here are some questions and answers about home heating:

Apartment tenants can also perform repairs to help them lower the temperature of the thermostat and save heating costs. Mr. Anderson of Energy Star said that special attention should be paid to ventilation windows. You can install plastic window film to reduce heat loss. Mr. Trethewey said that sealing the edges of the film with a hair dryer can help tighten the film and reduce annoying flapping.

It's worth spending a bit more to get high-quality clear movies so you can still see outside. (The disadvantage is that you won't be able to open the window until spring.) There is also a removable caulk, a temporary sealant, in strips that can be applied to the gaps in the window and then removed when the weather gets warmer.

Drafts sometimes go through the power outlet. You can install a cheap foam gasket cover between the switch board and the socket to stop airflow.

If you have window air conditioners, it is best to remove them in winter, or at least invest in a thick cover to reduce airflow.

Check to make sure that the furniture does not block any vents so that heat can circulate freely. "You don't want to heat the bottom of the sofa," Mr. Anderson said.

Apartments with radiators may consider using thermal "reflectors", which are foils or metal plates installed behind the radiators to guide heat from the wall into the room.

The heating system can usually be used for 12 to 20 years, depending on the type. But Mr. Anderson said that people often wait until the system fails before replacing them. If yours has passed its heyday, you may want to look for alternatives now. If the equipment fails during the winter and must be replaced in an emergency, the cost may be higher. According to Energy Star, upgrading to a more efficient heating system can save up to 20% of energy costs.

According to data from the contractor matching service HomeAdvisor, the cost of replacing the furnace is approximately US$2,700 to US$6,400-if you choose a high-efficiency model or the piping system requires repair, the cost will be higher.

"You have to spend money first, but you will save money for a long time to come," said David Nemzo, director of the Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology.

Steve Baden, executive director of the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET), said that you can pay for the upgrade through an "energy-saving mortgage" by including the cost in the refinancing of the house. The benefits of home energy efficiency are focused on new buildings. Borrowers can usually get more favorable financing conditions, because lenders will consider the value of utility savings. Detailed information can be obtained from ENERGY STAR and Fannie Mae.

If you upgrade to a more efficient heating system or water heater, you can also get a tax credit.

At the very least, check your heating system to make sure it is functioning well before the arrival of cold weather. The professional will check the electrical connections, oil any moving parts, and possibly replace the filter (you should do this at least every four months, the professional said). "It's worth the adjustment," Mr. Anderson said.

Remember the advice your father gave you when you were young? "Put on a sweater!" Or, as a video from the Department of Energy suggests: "Get a blanket. Invest in a new set of slippers. Make yourself a cup of tea." The department says it may take a while for your body to adjust , But you will appreciate the savings in heating bills.