Heating and cooling represent the highest utility bills and consume the most energy. According to the Department of Energy heating your home will account for over half of your utility costs.
It is true that we spend so much money to keep warm that many homeowners will use uncomfortable methods to save money.
There are legitimate ways to save money while still being comfortable and ready for the changes in weather. These are four simple ways to reduce your bills and save money while still being efficient heating your home.
* Equip windows with necessary fortifications. Good Housekeeping Magazine says that drafty windows can add up to 10 to 25 percent on your heating bills. To keep the heat inside, open the blinds at dawn and dusk to let the sun’s heat in. Drafts can be blocked by caulking, weather stripping, and drapes.
* Consider installing a vent-free gas heater, log or fireplace. Vent-free products use very little energy, and they produce 99 cents per dollar of heat. These attractive appliances can be installed in the areas where family members spend the most time. They also reduce the central heating thermostat to save significant heating costs. These products can provide emergency heat even during power outages and require no electricity.www.ventfree.org
* Install programmable thermostats. There are many things you need to remember during the day. Programmable thermostats can be programmed to turn down heat when nobody is home or when everyone is asleep.
* Close the vents in unused rooms. To save energy, close vents and doors in rooms that are largely unoccupied. This will reduce heating costs and redirect heat to the rooms that your family uses most frequently.
