When the temperatures start to decrease, it is time to start thinking about ways to conserve energy and save money on your heating bills. Follow these steps for lower bills this winter.
1. Conserve electricity. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Plug electronics such as TVs, DVD players, computers, printers and fax machines into a power strip and turn the strip off when the electronics are not in use. When purchasing new appliances look for the "Energy Star" models which use less energy and money to power.
2. Turn Down the Thermostat. Up to three percent in heating costs can be saved for every degree the thermostat is turned down. Programmable thermostats can be purchased for as low as $40, are easy to install and can average up to 15% savings on heating bills.
3. Only Heat the Space You Use. Close up rooms that are not in use during winter.
4. Let in the Sunshine. Open blinds or curtains during the daylight hours allowing the warmth of the sun to heat the rooms. Close them at night.
5. Seal Drafty Windows or Doors. Caulk window frames. Install weather stripping around door frames and door sweeps at the bottom of doors.
6. Keep Ventilation Areas Clean. Vacuum and dust radiators, air returns and registers regularly. Do not block them with furniture or rugs. Clean baseboards.
7. Close Dampers on Fireplace. Open dampers pull warm air out of the house even when there is not a fire so once the ashes are cold, close the damper.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans. Along with cooling a room, ceiling fans can also recirculate the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down to floor level.
9. Check Attic Insulation. Much of the heat a home loses is through the attic. Make sure the attic has sufficient, well-installed insulation.
10. Turn Down the Temperature on the Hot Water Heater. It is one of the highest users of energy in the home. Turning it down to between 110 and 120 degrees will lower energy use.
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