Heating costs are known to skyrocket
in the winter and here are some ways to save some heat and money for practically no out of
pocket cost.
Clothing
Let's
get basic. Socks and sweaters can be
your new best friends during these winter months, and can save you money at
the same time. For those fashion savvy
savers, Snuggies are also a popular option.
Windows/Doors
Keep
drafts out by keeping blinds and curtains closed at night and open during the
day. Letting the sun in during the day will help warm the house up. Use this free resource to save some money on
heating costs and make sure to remove
extra tree branches and trim overgrown bushes if they are blocking the sun.
You may have those double paned
windows, but you are still losing heat.
Let's face it - glass isn't a good insulator. If you are not worried about curb appeal, you
could use bubble wrap to keep your heat in!
Those pockets of air that we cannot resist popping actually help keep heat from
escaping. The installation is easy, just
cut to fit, spray a small amount of water and press.
Use door sweeps to close spaces under
exterior doors and keep those chilly drafts from sneaking in at a very low price, ranging anywhere from $3-$10. Another, even cheaper option, is
pipe insulation. It is extremely
inexpensive, just make sure you get a size thick enough to fit snugly under your
doors.
Fireplaces
Here's
an easy one. Close flues and glass
doors. Heat rises and is sucked out.
Check your dampers! If you haven't recently replaced them they
could be pretty warped after all the heating and cooling over the years. There's also a fireback, a fireback is sheets of reflective material
placed against the back wall which sends heat back into your house. There is also metallic, heat resistant silver
spray paint you can use.
Outlets
With
just a screwdriver you can get outlet insulation pads. Just pick them up at a hardware store for
cheap! You'll be amazed how much heat
you lose from all the outlets in your home!
Thermostat
The
cost of a programmable thermostat can run somewhere between $30-$100, but you
can make that back pretty quickly.
Adjust your thermostat to set lower at night and when you are away most of the day. Try 55 at night and 68 during the day. You can calculate a 3% energy savings for
every degree you set your thermostat back.
Wood Stove
With
a wood burning stove you can not only get moisture into the dry winter air and
add heat to your home; but, did you know that moisture helps retain heat? Not only will your home be warmer but say
goodbye to nose bleeds and dry skin. If
you're worried about mineral rings building up in the pan, just put in a little
apple cider vinegar.
Use Heat Already in the House
Make
sure all bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans are off. They are vented to the outside and will allow
heat to escape from your home very quickly!
Remember close off vents in a garage,
basement, attic, spare bedrooms, storage areas, or any rooms you do not
use. This can make a huge impact on
lowering heating costs!
You can also help lower heat costs by
sealing gaps around pipes, wires, and vents that could transfer heat to areas
you do not want heated.
Did you know that dust is a very good
insulator? Unfortunately, it will keep
heat from getting into rooms that need it.
Clean up any dust that builds up around radiators and baseboard heat vents.
Water Heaters
You
can easily lower your water heater 20 degrees and you won't even notice a
difference. If do not have a newer water
heater, that has built-in insulation, you can buy an insulated jacket for
around $15-$20. This can be especially
beneficial if your water heater is located in a garage or basement. Also, wrapping water pipes is a good idea,
especially through uninsulated areas.
This could run only $1-$5 for a 5 foot section.
Here's another easy one, clean your
heating units. This alone could save
3%-10% on heating bills!
Try a water efficient shower head
($20 or less) can save 25-50% less hot water.
Get a Checkup
Get
a professional to look at your electric and oil heaters every year and every
other year for gas heaters. This can save you $300-$400 after all is said and
done! Check filters in your heating
systems to make sure they're clean and clear.
Not only that, you can save around $60 a year by replacing your air
filters.
Explore the Outside
Check
around your heating unit. Avoid stacking or draping anything against the heat
pump. Make sure it's clear of dirt. If you find excess water around it, see
whether the drain and pan are blocked.
Move Furniture
Move
furniture away from exterior walls this will let air move around and will make
the room feel warmer.
How to find the drafts
Use
the smoke from a candle or light an incense stick. Hold it close to windows,
doors, light fixtures and look for smoke moving horizontally.
Check with your Utility Company
Find
out if your utility companies have times of day when rates are lower. Use the
dishwasher, washing machine and other energy using appliances during these,
off-peak times to reduce energy costs.
With just a little prep, you can save
a ton of money on your heating and energy bills this winter!
For more information about Real
Estate or Home Ownership, please visit my website at:
