Reduce
your Heating Costs Now.
As homeowners continue
to struggle
through an economic recession, finding ways to save on energy costs to
heat
their home this winter is important. The following list show ten simple
things
you can do now to save on your heating costs this winter.
1) Replace your
thermostat with a
programmable electronic thermostat to eliminate wasteful energy
usage. A
programmable thermostat enables you to automatically adjust temperature
setting
to energy saving levels.
2) Install weather
stripping around
windows and doors. Sealing your house prevents your heat from
escaping,
saving you more. Storm doors and windows can also help reduce heating
costs. Also consider caulking and cracks in the siding.
3) Make sure your home
is properly
insulated, especially in the attic. The best energy savings can
be
obtained through an adequately insulated attic.
4) Let the sunshine
in. The
natural warmth of the sunlight can assist heating your home. Open the
blinds
and curtains on sunny days.
5) Ceiling fans are inexpensive and circulate warm air back down when
on
reverse direction. This help push the warm air that rises and is
trapped
at the ceiling level.
6) Have your furnace
professionally
inspected to ensure it is running efficiently.
7) Winter dryness is
caused by using
a heater. To maintain comfort in the winter control the humidity
levels
in your home. Room humidifiers can increase the comfort level in
small
areas.
8) Adjust the vents to
evenly heat
your home. Partially close the vents on the upper level so more
warm air
will be directed to the lower level.
9) Inspect air filters
in furnace
for dust. Clean and replace filters as needed. For the first year you
own your
home, replace the air filter every month. Afterwards, every other month.
10) Keep your
fireplace damper
closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping
a window
wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the
chimney.
This is just a short
list of things
you can do now to save money on your heating costs this winter.
Other
items to consider include changing your light bulbs to more-efficient
bulbs,
sealing any cracks or gaps in ductwork and by insulating the ducts,
lowering
the temperature on your water heater, and purchase only Energy Star
appliances.
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