|
With the cold winter months ahead,there 's growing concern about higher heating costs. Since heating accounts for at least 60 percent of your winter energy bills,cutting those costs can make a huge difference in your pocketbook. Here are some simple things you can do to control and lower
heating costs,regardless of how you heat your home.
Stop the gaps in your walls.
Gaps around doors and windows are like holes in your walls.They let cold air in
and heated air out. Eliminate them with weatherstripping and caulking.
 - Caulk around windows and doors,along the bottom of your siding. In general, silicone caulks work best, latex are easiest to apply and oil-based are cheapest.
- Weatherstrip around doors,windows and the access to your attic.
- Caulk cracks in masonry walls and foundations.
- Caulk around pipes and wires where utilities enter your home.
- Add or replace door sweeps and thresholds.
- Repair broken or cracked window glass.
- If you don't have tight-sealing windows, apply insulating plastic sheathing.
- Add foam gaskets to electrical outlets and wall switches on exterior walls.
Take the heat off your furnace.
Gas or electric, your furnace works best when it moves air efficiently.
- Schedule a heating contractor to tune up your furnace each year. Also have
your thermostat checked for accuracy.
- Replace dirty disposable filters or wash permanent filters with mild soap.
- Clean room registers and air returns. Make sure drapes, rugs or furniture aren't blocking air flow.
- Clean all combustion air-intake openings.
Cut energy loss at the tank.
Heating water accounts for another 20 percent of your energy bills. And in winter,your
tank works hardest. Here are some tips that will keep you in hot water:
- Dialing the thermostat back to 110° - 112° can save from $10 to $20 per year.
- Insulate the tank with a water heater wrap.
- Insulate hot water pipes.Also insulate the cold water intake pipe above your hot water heater.
- Install flow-restricting showerheads or faucet aerators.
Put the stats in your favor.
Every degree you dial your thermostat back saves from 2-3 percent.
- Set your thermostat from 65°-70°.
- Dial it back 10° overnight or when you plan to be away from home for
more than one hour.
- Programmable thermostats that automatically set your furnace back
can save from 12-25 percent on energy costs.
Make saving a daily routine.
The easiest and cheapest way to save is to change the ways you operate your home in winter. You'll not only save money, you'll be more comfortable, too.
- Open shades and drapes on the south and west sides during the daytime.
Close them at night.
- Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
- Limit the times you open and close doors to the outside.
- Keep doors to attic, basement and garage closed.
- Wear warmer clothes - it's cheaper than dialing up the thermostat.
|
