During the cold months, many of us will see an increase in
our heating bills, thanks to the lower outside temperatures. The U.S.
Department of Energy reports that about 43% of utility costs go toward heating
and cooling, and more Americans are unprepared for the additional costs that go
with keeping their home warm.
Here are a few simple ways you can reduce your heating
bills:
Use Available
Resources
You can save nearly 10% a year by buying a programmable
thermostat which will automatically turn down the heating at night or when
you're not at home. Set the thermostat to a low, comfortable setting and wear
warmer clothing and make use of blankets.
Insulation
Without proper insulation, you can lose up to 60% of warm
air can be lost even before it reaches the register. The ducts in your attic
and crawlspace should be sealed, otherwise, you'll waste both money and energy.
Another area to insulate is the water heater. You can
purchase an insulation blankets are not very expensive and typically under $20,
and are specifically designed to reduce the loss of heat.
Clean Filters &
Registers
Make sure to clean or replace furnace filters as needed. Many
HVAC contractors can perform this job for you if you're
not sure how. Also, clean your registers throughout your home, like baseboard
heaters and radiators. Make sure these areas aren't blocked by furniture,
drapes or any other obstructions.
