With winter now here in full swing, it’s a good time to think about ways to lower your heating bills. Although some things cost quite a bit of money, others require very little outlay of cash.
- If you don’t have very good windows, and can’t afford to replace them, seal them on the inside or outside with plastic and tape.
- If you have a window air conditioning unit, either remove it for the winter, or seal it with plastic and tape. Covers can also be purchased for them, but they don’t always stay on in a strong wind.
- Check for any gaps around windows or along the foundation of your house, and seal with caulk.
- Use weatherstripping to fill the areas around doors and windows where cold air is entering.
- Limit use of your fireplace, and when not in use, close the damper. Wood fireplaces are cozy, but not very efficient.
- Close the doors to rooms that you don’t use, and close the vents on the registers.
- Move furniture away from registers so the air will circulate better.
- Lower the thermostat when you’re going to be gone for several hours.
- As noted in an earlier post, use a space heater to warm up the living room in the evening.
- Wear more clothes and wrap up in blankets at night.
- My feet always get cold, so I bought slippers with removable microwave packs to keep them warm.
These are some of the less expensive ways to save money on heating costs. When you have a little extra money, you might want to consider other measures such as:
- Buy a programmable thermostat so you don’t have to remember to turn the heat down at night or when you’re gone.
- Increase the amount of insulation in your house.
- Replace your old furnace with a more efficient one. Income tax credits are available if they are purchased by 12/.31/11. Check here for information: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
- Replace old windows and doors. The above credit applies to these too.
These are just a few tips that can help you save money on your energy expenses in those winter months.
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