At certain times of the year, it seems like the expense of heating a house costs more than other utilities combined. The budget-minded or those on a fixed income can learn many ways to keep costs down, since it is possible to save money on your heating bill if you know how.
The first thing to do is change the furnace filter every month. A clogged or dusty filter keeps heat from circulating through the house, so residents crank up the temperature unnecessarily. Take the old filter with you to the hardware store so you will buy the right size for your heating unit. Sometimes, if you buy more than one, you can get a better deal, which adds to your savings.
Another important step is to make sure that your attic and basement have been insulated.
Most houses are, but if your residence hasn’t been, you are losing thousands of dollars each year. Not only will your heating bill increase, but also in the summer you can expect an electric bill increase when you are trying to keep your house cool with air conditioning or by running the fan. Get estimates for having insulation added before making a decision, and check with the Better Business Bureau about the contractor’s credentials before making a commitment.
Next, keep the door closed to any rooms you don’t use, along with each room’s heating vent. Depending on how old your windows are and what kind of shape they are in, you should seal the inside of them with plastic. You can buy kits at the hardware store that will fit your windows. Make them hard to see with the curtains hanging in front by measuring your windows before you go to the hardware store.
Don’t forget to ensure that all of your home’s storm windows and doors are installed and fitting correctly. Check your doors and see if you can feel cold air leaking through anywhere. With older doors, some leakage comes about through normal wear and tear. Go to the hardware store and buy weather stripping to seal these areas. Measure your doors and tell the sales associate what you need it for, and that person can help you find everything you need and tell you how to put use it. This item is really easy to put on and it only takes a few minutes.
Another cost-cutting step is to set your thermostat at 68 degrees and don’t keep turning it up and down. The only time you should change temperatures is if you are leaving the house for the day; then turn it down low until you get home. And when you or anybody else comes in or leaves, make sure you don’t keep the door open very long, or you will make the furnace come back on, which will cost more money.
Always remember before it starts getting cold to have your furnace and vents checked to see if repairs are needed. Some people light their stoves in the winter to warm their homes, but this is really costing more than they think, and may lead to carbon monoxide exposure, which is caused from combustion. Electric heaters that people buy to put by their beds or to warm up the basement can be very costly as well. The bottom line is to start thinking about heating costs before the cold weather hits. An ounce of prevention may save a wad of bills.
