by Clint Rogers

Created on: November 03, 2009

With dollars stretched to their limits already, many people now have the added stress of increased electricity and heating bills with winter weather approaching. Although conventional methods of simply turning down the temperature 4-5 degrees does work, it can also leave many people in an uncomfortable environment, especially if they've already followed that method the previous year. However, one does not need to feel uncomfortable in their own house. With a few simple tips anyone can afford to turn their temperature up a few degrees while seeing a decrease in their heating bill.

Furnace Maintenance

- Keep your furnace clean and up-to date with its annual maintenance which includes dusting the exterior, checking the operation of the pilot light if your furnace is natural gas and having the ducts cleaned if you begin to notice a decreased air quality, excessive dust on the vents or furnace itself.

- Keep the filters cleaned or change them every 1-2 months. An investment of a few extra dollars at the cash register for a higher end filter could save you many times that in your heating bill.

Pay Attention to that Thermostat

- Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius (7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.

- Install a programmable thermostat. This simple act can save you roughly 2% on your heating bill every 1 degree you turn it down. Some websites and companies state that your annual savings could be as much as $71 for this simple act!

Other Cost Saving Tips

- 85-90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By switching to cold for most of your loads as well as making sure to only wash full loads, you can cut down on the number of loads and drastically reduce your energy and water costs.

- Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic. By eliminating the cold air draft coming inside your home you will reduce the number of times your furnace needs to operate to heat your house to the appropriate temperature, thus reducing your heating bill.

- Along with weather stripping, take notice of any other areas of your home that could be a source of drafts. If you have a basement, check the ceilings, pipes and ductwork for any gaps. If you do happen to find some, products like Great Stuff are able to be applied to the gaps and will expand on their own to fill up the space. For a nicer look, especially if gaps are found in finished home areas like living rooms, bathrooms or kitchens, color matched caulk is easy to apply and provides an air tight, professional looking seal that can last for years.

By taking the time to look around your home for drafts and areas of improvement related to energy savings, you can drastically reduce your bills during the cold months while remaining comfortable in your own home. Remember, your home is a place to feel comfortable in. Keep warm, cut costs in other areas you may have overlooked and have a wonderful holiday season.

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