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In addition, these alternatives will
provide you with almost instant payback in some cases. Listed below are 10 tips
for saving on your home heating bills this winter.
Lower the
Thermostat
Yes it is almost cliché to say this,
but it is the simplest way to reduce your heating bills, and it costs nothing.
Set the temperature during the day to 65 degrees when you are home, and at 55
degrees at night when you are sleeping. To keep the chill off your bones wear a
sweater and socks at all times around the house.
Install a
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will cost
you between $50 and $100, but it is well worth it. You can have the heat set at
55-60 degrees while you are at work for the bulk of the day and automatically
turn on and warm up the house to 65-70 degrees for 5:00pm. You can also set it
to warm up the home an hour before you get up in the morning, so you don’t
“freeze” when you get out of bed.
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Turn off Heat
to Unused Rooms
If there are rooms in your house
that are rarely used, turn off heat altogether to those rooms, or at least
to 50 degrees.
Caulk Doors
and Windows
For a few dollars you can caulk
around the exterior of your doors and windows. This will prevent any drafts
from finding their way into your home.
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Replace Worn
Door Weather Stripping
Check the bottom of your doors for
torn or frayed weather stripping. If the door weather stripping looks worn, spend a
few dollars and replace it. Again, this will prevent unwanted drafts.
Use Door Snakes
Lay door snakes at the base of your
doors, again to cut down on any drafts.
Change Ceiling Fan
Direction
Ceiling fans can also keep you
feeling warmer in winter months. Set the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate in
a clockwise direction. When the fan is turned on it will now push warm air down,
thus making you feel warmer in the house. While you are working on the ceiling
fan, if it has lights, consider replacing the light bulbs with energy efficient
bulbs.
Find a Pre-Screened Heating Contractor in Your Area
Insulate Heating
ducts and Hot water Pipes
If the heating ducts and hot water
pipes in your basement are not insulated, insulate them. Foam pipe insulation is
very inexpensive and can easily be installed by a homeowner. Likewise insulating
duct work is inexpensive and simple to do as well.
Service your
Furnace
It is extremely important to have
your furnace serviced annually. Have it done in late fall so that it will be
ready to operate at the highest efficiency possible in winter months.
Minimize use of
Ventilation Fans
Kitchen and Bathroom fans vent out
air from your home to the outside. Try to minimize using ventilation fans in
winter months to keep the warm air in your home.
With the implementation of these 10
tips you should be able to see a significant reduction in the costs of your home
heating bills this winter.
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