As the cost of oil continues to rise, so too does the cost of heating your home. To lower your fuel bill and protect your furnace, which is a large investment, try these energy saving tips that are nothing more than common sense.

*Filters

The one single thing you can do to save energy and wear and tear on your furnace is to use the best filter you can afford and keep them changed at regular intervals. If your house is dusty or if you have pets, change them often to keep the furnace running well.

*Insulate Duct-work And Plenums

Proper insulation on your duct-work and plenum will go a long way in saving fuel cost and not overworking your furnace. A plenum is the box where the air is distributed to the various ducts that go to each room and a lot of the heat can be lost if they are not well insulated.

*Have Duct-work Cleaned

During the summer months when your duct-work is not in use, spiders find it a good place to build webs, which will collect dust when the furnace is used again. Even if you have air-conditioning, which runs in the summer months, there are those days when neither heat or cooling is needed and this gives the spiders a chance to build.

Dust tends to collect inside the duct-work, especially at seams, and this can inhibit the air flow if left uncleaned for years. Small toys and other small things can fall into your return air vents and dust will collect on these too.

Have your duct-work blown out at least every few years to keep your furnace working at optimum performance. This will also cut down on the dust in your home year-round.

*Yearly Service

If you are unfamiliar with the operating system of your furnace, call a technician to service it each fall before you use it. They can check for dangerous leaks, remove any dust build-up, make sure the jets are clean and check wiring for damage.

*Thermostat

Set your thermostat at a sensible setting and adjust your clothing for comfort. Constantly turning your thermostat up and down won't heat your house any faster but will cost more than leaving it at one setting. The energy saving setting recommended by the EPA is about 68 degrees in the winter and about 78 degrees in the summer.

Consider installing a Programmable Thermostat that really saves you money. Program for a few degrees lower at night and add more blankets or quilts to each bed. Program for a comfortable setting thirty minutes before you get up to have a warm home. You can also program for vacations and times you are absent from your home.

*Registers and Return Air Vents

Keep the registers and return air vents clear of anything that might obstruct the air-flow. Move furniture away from registers and make sure curtains and drapes do not cover them.

*Insulate

Adding insulation under your floors and in your attic will help tremendously to reduce your fuel cost and will therefore pay for itself in a short time.

*Stop All Air Leaks

Use weather stripping around exterior doors and window to stop air leaks, also at doors that lead to the attic or basement. Use a good foam sealant around pipes wherever they enter the house and drain pipes where they exit the house. Also check where electrical wires enter your home. Make sure to insulate where applicable, such as behind outlets.

*Little Things That Save Big

Close off unused rooms and place a draft stopper at the bottom of the door.

Close drapes at night and open them during the day to gain heat from the sun.

Using these energy saving tips for your furnace will not only save you money on fuel but will also prolong the life of your furnace, which is an investment just like your car.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
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