As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your home, save money on utilities and prevent costly repairs. In the first part of this article, we discussed 5 ways to reduce your heating bill. We realize our Alaskan winters can get very cold, and we want to keep our families warm and comfortable without breaking the bank. Here are a few more ways you can keep your home cozy while lowering your heating bill.
Here in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley, we are no strangers to cold Alaskan winters. Our homes are safe havens from the winter cold, and where we spend time with our loved ones and enjoy the cozy comforts of life.
During the winter it can sometimes feel difficult to keep costs down when we are watching energy prices surge across the U.S. There are many households that are behind in their utility bills. We know that we can’t control prices, but we can improve how our home maintains heat and how we use it. Below are some ways you can lower your Alaskan heating bill this winter.
Alaskans know cold. After all, here in the Anchorage and Eagle River area, temperatures can drop down as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit for days at a time. But despite the frigid temps, locals know how to survive winter in Alaska. We’ve gathered up a few tips for covering your basics (warmth, food, water, safety and mental well-being), and shared one big misconception at the end that you for sure want to avoid. Here goes:
If you don’t stay warm, you can forget the rest. Staying warm and dry is the name of the game here! Dressing for Alaska winters doesn’t necessarily mean piling it on until you’re waddling across the parking lot and unable to get in your car. Too many clothes will only make you perspire, and once you stop moving around, that moisture will freeze, feeling like you’re wrapped in an icicle. Instead, the secret is to dress in layers, using materials that wick moisture away from the body, rather than soaking it up. Choose fleece or performance fabrics instead of cotton. Warm socks and boots should always be nearby, even if you’re going to a dressy occasion – you never know when you might need to make a quick change. Mittens are better than gloves. And don’t forget a sleeping bag. Yes, a sleeping bag. We know that’s not something you technically “wear,” but standard emergency equipment for traveling in Alaska in the winter often includes a subzero-rated sleeping bag.
There’s winter. And then there’s Alaska winter. As daylight fades and the long, cold months approach, locals know it’s time to prep your home, garden and car and get your personal gear ready to help you survive and thrive until the spring thaw. If you’re new to the area, here are a few ideas to help you prep your home and get started on winterizing your home for an Alaskan winter.