Cut Your Heating Costs with These Simple Steps
A change in seasons can bring welcome relief to summer's hot temperatures. But when cool turns to cold, heating your home can get expensive fast. With energy costs soaring higher than ever, heating your home can easily take a big bite out of your household budget. Here are some basic tips and ideas to help you reduce your heating costs during the winter months.
Sign up for an energy audit
Many energy companies will send a professional to evaluate heating and energy efficiency in your home for a nominal fee. You can also inspect for leaks and drafts yourself, but paying a professional a small fee can often save you big money in the long run.
Keep the cold out and heat in
Heating a drafty house or an apartment takes far more energy. Installation of storm windows, weather-strips and caulking can be helpful. Closing drapes and blinds at night and the use of draft stoppers prevents drafts as well. When the fireplace is not in use, close the dampers to limit your use of ventilation fans.
Dress warmly
Instead of turning up the thermostat, add an extra layer. Just wearing a sweater and socks can make all the difference. Put an extra blanket or two on beds for keeping warm at night.
Close off rooms, closets and any other little-used space
Rooms that see little activity should always be closed off during the winter months, or heated with efficient and safe space heaters when used. Remember to always shut closet doors.
Turn the thermostat down
Keep your thermostat at 60 degrees when no one is home and at 65 degrees when you return. Installing a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers and raises the temperature makes this easy. Using a humidifier can also make things more comfortable.
Make sure heating equipment works properly
If you own your home, always make sure your furnace, heat pump or any other heating equipment is in good working condition. Simply replacing dirty air filters can increase efficiency. If you rent, ask your landlord to inspect heating equipment.
If you have difficulty paying your bill this winter, contact your local energy provider to discuss payment options. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a program available to help with these costs. Call 1-866-674-6327, the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) if you need help, or visit their website for more information.
