Are you looking for ways to save money after the holidays? One thing is certain – you don’t want to allow cold temperatures to get the best of you. By properly preparing your home this winter, you can save energy and keep your heating bill in check.
Utilize Your Thermostat:
Install a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night and when your home is unoccupied. Lowering your thermostat 10 degrees at night can reduce your heating bill by 10 to 20 percent. Be sure to install the thermostat in a room that well-represents the average temperature you wish to maintain in your home. You can also lower your thermostat and wear layers – even 1 degree can reduce energy usage by 3 percent.
Helpful hint: Add moisture to the air using a humidifier as air tends to be very dry in the winter. Moist air feels warmer, helping you feel comfortable even if your thermostat is set at a lower temperature.
Pay Attention To Your Water Heater:
There are several steps you can take to ensure your water heater isn’t being overworked: 1) make sure your water heater is set no higher than 125 degrees; 2) install a blanket or cover if your water heater is over 5 years old; and 3) insulate the pipes around your water heater, especially if the water heater is in an unheated space.
Cover Windows And Doors:
Consider covering any unused doors (patio, basement and attic) or windows (spare bedrooms) in plastic to prevent drafts. Window kits are available at your local hardware store, or blankets are a convenient option. Keep windows and doors, including your garage door, closed as much as possible. You may even wish to seal off unused rooms and close certain floor or wall registers. Weather stripping will also significantly help to trap warm air as these areas around windows and doors are likely to deteriorate over time and can be a source of heat loss.
Fireplace Precautions:
Make sure heat doesn’t escape your home through your fireplace. You can do so by closing the fireplace damper and sealing the opening shut when not in use, or by installing a sheet-metal insert to prevent heat loss and reflect heat into the room.
Insulate:
Be sure your home is properly insulated and weatherized. A place insulation is most useful is your attic. Measure your attic insulation – if you have less than 7 inches of insulation, consider upgrading with spray-foam or batt insulation. Additional insulation can also be blown into walls, or consider insulating flat roofs, crawl spaces and floors.
Take Advantage Of Alternative Heating:
Here we have a couple suggestions: 1) Let your oven do the work. After baking, leave the oven door open a crack to allow the remaining heat to warm your kitchen and the surrounding rooms. 2) Use a portable space heater to add comfort to the room you are in without heating the rest of your home.
By taking a few extra steps this winter, you will see significant savings in your heating bill while keeping your family warm. Remember, we are always here to offer insightful tips to best assist our customers.
For more money saving tips this winter contact us or call (800) 246-0273.
For more winter saving tips, download our ebook: Top Ten Guide to Reduce Your Heating Bill