Budgeting 201
10 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill
Winter is on its way – but it doesn’t have to come with a heavy heating bill. Follow these tips and tricks and you’ll be sure to save a few bucks while staying warm and cozy this winter season.
1. Get a home energy audit. Energy.gov says that you can save 5-30% on your energy bill by making upgrades recommended in a home energy audit. Most energy companies will do it for free like this example from Duke Energy.
2. Have a technician check your furnace to make sure it is working efficiently. Now is the time to call and schedule the visit. Being proactive will help ensure your system is in good condition and could help you avoid any pricey emergency repairs.
3. Replace dirty furnace filters to keep air flowing through your furnace efficiently.
4. Close gaps around windows, doors, outlets and exterior walls with weather-stripping or caulking. Seal gaps anywhere warm air can escape or cold air can come in.
5. Cover windows and sliding doors with clear plastic film during the winter months. Click here for easy, effective and inexpensive instructions.
6. Close off unused rooms in your house (not rooms with thermostats) to avoid unnecessarily heating rooms not in use.
7. Turn down your thermostat. Dress in layers, and cover up with blankets. You’ll save money for each degree you lower the temperature.
8. Get a programmable thermostat. By automatically turning down the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day, either when you're not home or when you're sleeping, you could cut your heating bill by 10% or more.
9. Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to direct warm air down.
10. Use the sunlight to your advantage. On sunny days, open the blinds and let the sun shine in to warm your home.
Doing some of these tips now can save you money all winter. Tell us what you do to save on your winter heating bill on our Facebook page.
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