When money is tight, it becomes necessary to use all the energy saving tips possible to be able save money on heating this coming winter. Many homes can benefit from simple money-saving practices that will provide a lower energy bill this winter. Here are some easy to apply energy saving tips to lower heating costs this winter.
Perform a Home Energy Audit
Many utility companies will perform a free home energy audit on homes. This will basically involve an inspection to see where heat is being lost more than necessary - through cracks in windows, poor insulation, doors, etc. For homeowners especially, this would be a good place to start.
Seal the Windows and Doors
In many homes, there is a lot of air that can flow around the edges of windows or under the outside doors. This can create a constant draft through the house, which is apt to demand that the thermostat be turned higher during the cold months. Stop the drafts and enjoy a warmer house and save energy and money at the same time.
Ensure Duct Work Is Properly Sealed
Over the years, it is quite possible that there are holes in the duct work that may allow a lot of heat to escape where it is not needed - such as in the basement or attic. By making sure that these holes are properly sealed, more heat can be delivered where it is needed, allowing home energy costs to be reduced.
Use The Thermostat As An Energy Saving Device
Just by changing the thermostat a couple of degrees downward, it will lower the heating bill every month. Ideally, keep it below about 72 degrees – cooler if possible. While this may be a little cool for some, remember that it does not cost anything to put on a sweater if it becomes chilly. By lowering the thermostat even more when sleeping, and adding another blanket if needed, even more money will be saved.
Even more money can be saved if the thermostat is set down lower still when leaving the house for a couple of hours, or to go to work. Ideally, only set it back about five degrees, so that it does not take a long time to heat the house up again when returning.
Check Furnace Filters and Vents for Better Performance
Before it starts to get too cold, ensure that all the furnace filters and heating/AC vents are clean. This lets the furnace work at a good performance level, and it will save money on electricity once winter comes.
Use Fans When in the Room
Because heat always tends to go toward the ceiling, it will help to even out the temperature in a room if a fan is used to circulate the air. Ceiling fans work best, but a standard room fan will help, too, if it is aimed toward the ceiling. Of course, only use a fan in the room where people are going to be, in order to save electricity.
Use Space Heaters if Needed to Save Energy
If living mostly in one or two rooms of the house during the winter, it may be a good idea to invest in a modern space heater for even better energy savings. The newer ones are great energy saving devices that do not consume electricity like the older models did - and they are much safer, too. Of course, this unit will not be a substitute for a central heating unit, simply because it is necessary to prevent the pipes from freezing, but it will enable the thermostat to be set even lower.
Resources:
7 Great Ways to Reduce Bills and Save Money
Six Powerful Money Saving Strategies
Creating a Family Budget to Become Debt Free
Six Ways to Save Money on Auto Insurance
Mike Valles - Mike Valles has been a full-time freelance writer for more than six years. He has written thousands of articles and other materials - ...
