One of the worst feelings during the winter months is to not be able to feel adequately warm in your own home. But because heating costs can get very high, many people experience this feeling on a very regular basis.

Luckily, with a few tips and tricks, you can find ways to ensure that your home is warm enough for you without having to pay an outrageously large heating bill each month.

To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for keeping your heating bill lower this winter. 

Be Smart With Your Heater

To save yourself some money right from the start, it’s wise to know how your heater works and ensure that it’s working properly. Because things can go wrong with your heating and cooling systems that can cause them to be less effective but still running, it’s wise to get your heating and cooling systems serviced each year. 

Once you’re sure that everything is in good working order, Taylor Dunn, a contributor to ABC News, recommends that you be smart about how and when you use your heater. If you’re able to turn your heater down while you’re sleeping and then turn it back up when you’re home during the day, you’ll be able to save a lot of money on your utility costs. If you have a smart thermostat, you can set it to do this for you automatically, taking this switching back and forth off of your plate. 

Strategically Use Your Windows

Harnessing the natural heat and power from the sun is a great way to keep your home warm in the winter without having to use your heater at all.

To make this most of this energy resource, Maria Trimarchi, a contributor to HowStuffWorks.com, recommends using thick curtains to cover your windows at night so less of your warm air is able to escape. But, once the sun comes out in the morning, make sure you open these curtains wide so the sun can stream down into every room and heat it up naturally for you. 

Make Good Use Of Your Ceiling Fans

Another way you can keep your whole house warmer without having to turn your heater up is to make use of fans at the right settings and in the right locations.

According to Trent Hamm, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, flipping the directional switch on your ceiling fans so that they air is being pushed up rather than pushed down can help you to more evenly distribute warm air throughout your home. As the air gets pushed up, it will be forced back down the walls of your home and will aid in keeping more of your space warm. 

If you want your home to be nice and warm this winter but don’t have to pay high utility bills, consider using the tips mentioned above to show you how you can accomplish both of these objectives.