How to Reduce Heating Costs?

Reduce Your Heating Costs

Now that the cold weather is here, it’s time to turn up the heat in your home. And when you increase the heat, you will also increase the expense of heating the home. Try some of these tips to help keep the heating bill under control.

Close the fireplace damper

For those who have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when it’s not in use. It’s the same effect as leaving a window open.

Use your ceiling fans

Heat rises, use the ceiling fan to push the warm air down to where you are.

Change the furnace filter

You would be surprised at how many people do not change the filters. A dirty clogged filter forces the furnace to work harder, which uses more energy. The same principle applies in the summer for the air conditioning. Filters are inexpensive. Change them according to manufacturers recommendations.

Turn down the heat

By reducing the temperature by only 1 degree, you can reduce the expense by up to 3 percent. Turn it down even further at night and use an extra blanket.

Get a programmable thermostat

These thermostats cycle the furnace more frequently, which causes the furnace to operate more efficiently. Have the heat com on a little before you wake, and turn down when you leave for work. Automatically. Other models allow you to control the temperature remotely from your smart phone with an app.

Seal up drafts

If you can feel a draft coming through a window or door, you are losing money on your heat bill. Seal those draft by using weather stripping of caulk.

Increase your attic insulation

This can be a bit expensive if you need someone else to do it. But adding insulation will pay for itself over time.

Make use of the shades and drapes

In addition to looking good and providing privacy, you can save energy by utilizing the drapes and shades. Open them during the day to allow sunlight and heat in. Close them at night to keep the heat in.

Make use of some, or all, of these tips to help keep the heating bill down.

For other energy conservation articles, visit www.55plusinmonmouth.com/blog/

Art Reiman – Realtor
732-598-7700