Heating & Cooling: Reducing Your Heating Bill

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.