by Cynthia Wall

Created on: November 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2010

With unemployment at all time high and the price of energy soaring, the winter ahead looms like a big monster. Saving on energy costs not only makes “good cents”; in many cases, your actions will mean the difference between being warm or cold. There’s still time, but you need to get busy. 

1. Insulation. Most people hire this job done but you can do it yourself if you have access to a truck and can hold the blower hose. In an average climate, the cost of adding insulation to both the attic and the walls will return the investment in three to five years. And during those years and the ones after, you’ll be warmer. Even older homes can be insulated. 

2. Windows and doors.  Add storm windows and doors. There are pull-down varieties of storm windows that can be left in place year round. Insulating sashes at the bottom of doors and windows save heat. Double pane windows are more expensive but the savings in heating pays for them quickly. 

3. Insulate and turn down your water heater. Newer models of water heaters tend to be fairly well-insulated, but if your water heater is located in an unheated area like a basement or garage, it can still be subject to “standby losses” of water temperature even when no hot water is being used. By wrapping your electric water heater with insulation 3.5 inches thick, losses can be reduced by approximately 50 percent. After turning off the water heater breaker, you can safely lower the thermostat to 100 degrees F. Most of us use a mix of hot and cold water in the shower or tub to achieve that perfect warm temperature. Why not just start with it in the first place? 

4. Consider alternate forms of heat. Fireplaces and woodstoves are not practical for everyone, and if you have to buy your own wood, they don’t save much money. But, if you live in an area where firewood is plentiful and you’re handy with an axe and splitting wedges, firewood can be a real savings. Many tree cleanup services will give you downed trees for free if you just call and ask. Woodstoves, especially those fitted with a hot water sleeve, can be a real energy saver and a lifesaver during electrical outages. 

5. Turn your thermostat down to 65 and dress warmly. As the Scottish say, “there is no such thing as bad weather: just wrong clothing. So, add on the layers and be warm. A programmable thermostat will allow you to have cooler temperatures at night and still warm up the house

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>