Dodge High Heating Bills this Winter
This Year's Bills May Really Put a Cramp on the Budget
Oct 19, 2008
RecessionWinter heating bills may increase this year for a variety of reasons. The Recession is here to stay. It couldn't come at a worse time when winter is just beginning to rear its ugly head. Snow and ice bring more than pretty scenes to a homeowner. With rising heating costs, most homeowners will try to do things to keep their winter heating bills as low as possible.
Winter BluesWinter cold can bring a chill like no other. Most households can do without central air, but heat is another thing all together. Cold weather is upon the midwest. There is still time to make changes in order to help those heating costs.
Vents and Windows
If the vents in the home have forced air, close off the vents to the rooms that are not in use. There is no reason to have them open and it can help decrease the overall energy use in the home. Use magnetic vent covers because heat can still be lost with the doors closed. Windows should be insulated with plastic to keep winter cold outside. Cracks and crevices that are on the outside of the home should be filled up. Seal off all cracks in the doors and any gaps underneath using foam or rubber weatherstripping. Draft guards can also be used but they are more expensive. Some electric companies offer a service to check for leaks in the house. These services have found drafty leaks coming from the circuit breaker box, the dryer output area and even the bathtub and shower heads. For more information click reduce energy costs.
Reduce Energy Usage
If the family is gone during the day, turn down the heat. It is also a good idea to get a programmable thermostat that will do the work. When the family is home, set the thermostat lower and wear layers. Households with a gas hot water heater should control usage of hot water to keep costs down as well. Here are some additional tips:
- Windows that receive the most sun during the day should have drapes or blinds opened to allow for heating the room.
- Insulate water pipes that are in the crawl space or basement.
- Use space heaters with timers when getting dressed in the morning. Caution should always be exercised when using a space heater.
- Use a heating pad on a chiar when watching television or reading.
- Recaulk windows inside and out to keep heat from moving out of the house.
There is still time to get the home ready for winter. These tips will save some money on heating bills. Don't allow hard earned money to escape out of the windows and doors.
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