Winter's Coming! Save on Your Heating Costs This Year!

 

Every year thousands, if not millions of people are missing some great opportunities to save on their heating bill.  Here's a list that I have put together to help keep money in your wallet.

 

 

1. Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees. If you can't remember to turn turn down the thermostat, you may want to invest a little money and buy a programmable one like this one here at Target. 

 

 

2.  Remember that your air filters should be replaced once a month for maximum efficiency. 

 

 

3.  Turn down your hot water tank temperature.  You can save up to 10 percent of your water heating costs by using the standard "normal" setting, which is right around 120 degrees. 

 

4.  Invest in a little window caulking and make sure there are no leaks coming in through windows.  Also, it's a good idea to check the areas in which you have electrical outlets on outside walls, to make sure there isn't cold air coming through as well.  Areas that should be checked:  Electrical Outlets, Switch Plates, Door and Window Frames, Electrical and Gas service entrances, baseboards, Fireplace Dampers, attic entrances, Wall or Window mounted AC units, Cable and TV lines coming into your home, and Dryer Vents.

 

 

5.  While a little on the more expensive side, consider replacing older appliances ( more than 12 years old) with newer, more efficient ones, that are ENERGY STAR rated. 

 

 

 

6.  With Day Light Savings time soon here, many people are using lights for longer periods of time.  Consider replacing light bulbs that will be in higher usage with CFL or LED bulbs.

 

7.  Head up to the attic and make sure you have adequate insulation.  A standard home in the Northeast should have about 12 inches, depending on your R value. 

 

8.  Another more expensive, but big saver is to consider replacing your old windows with newer replacement windows.  If that's not an option, use plastic window sheets over windows. 

 

9. Can't tell whether your doors or window are leaking?  Try the Paper Test.  If you can slide a piece of paper out from a closed door or window, you're losing energy!

 

10.  If your Hot Water Tank is more than 10 years old, consider buying a water heater blanket to install over your water tank. 

 

11.  Forced Hot Air?  Be sure to check your ducts to ensure they are all working properly.  If you have rooms in your home that aren't used, close off those air vents. 

 

12.  Keep window shades open during the afternoon, to allow the sun warmth in, and closed at night.

 

13.  Move drapes or furniture away from floor vents to allow the heat to flow in without obstruction.

 

14.  Remember that heat rises, turn ceiling fans on low to move the heat down.  (Turning them clockwise will help to push the wrmth down.)

 

15.  When hosting a party, turn down the heat!  Each guest is the equivilant of a 150 watt heater! 

 

 

Did I miss some?  Leave a comment and help everyone to save even more!