I'm facing my second winter in my end unit townhouse condo in New England, and I'm really struggling to keep warm as the temperatures drop. I have electric baseboard heating, but it seems to heat up my place for only a few minutes before it gets cold again. Last February, my heating bill skyrocketed to about $700, even while I kept the thermostat at just 60 degrees during the day when I was at work!
I've tried using electric radiators as a backup, but I can't leave them on when I'm out. I've had a few contractors look at my condo, and they say it's properly insulated. Last year, I also put plastic over my windows to retain heat. I'm contemplating a mini-split heating system, but I'm hesitant due to the high costs and I'm not entirely sure it will solve my problem.
Has anyone else experienced a similar situation? What can I do this winter to stay warm without breaking the bank?
3 Answers
Using space heaters is tricky since electric heating is 100% efficient; they won't lower your bill unless you can heat a smaller area. Instead, invest in heated blankets or mattress pads, and even heated socks or a foot pad—those will keep you cozy without cranking up your bill as much! A better thermostat might help too; reducing the dead zone can lead to more consistent heating. Checking for air leaks around doors and outlets can also improve your heat retention. Have you thought about getting an energy auditor to pinpoint cold spots? They could help optimize your place. Oh, and definitely keep plastic on the windows; that's a good start!
Have you thought about using a window air conditioning unit that can also heat? They're pretty versatile. Make sure to check if it’s allowed by your HOA. Also, I’d definitely recommend chatting with your neighbors. If it's a similar layout, their heating bills shouldn't be that high, so they might have useful insights!
You should consider adding window inserts—they create an extra layer and seal your windows better. They’re removable when the weather gets warmer, which is handy! They worked wonders for my old metal-framed windows, so I suggest looking into that solution for better insulation.
Thanks for all the great tips!