Heating

In the winter, your heating system is probably your biggest energy user, accounting for between 35% and 65% of your total monthly bill.

Don't Touch It

Before bedtime, turn down your thermostat for more energy savings. If you don't want to wake up to a cold house, let a programmable thermostat turn the heat up an hour before you wake up. If you have a heat pump, raising the thermostat more than 2-4°F at a time could cause the electric heating strips to come on, significantly increasing your heating costs.

Don't Let Heat Escape

Keep windows and doors closed during cool periods. Weatherstrip and caulk your doors and windows. It can save you as much as 6% on your heating costs. And, when you're not using your fireplace, close the damper.

Close Them At Night

Closing blinds and drapes at night will help keep the cold out and the warmth in. In cooler months be sure to open them in the morning so the warmth of the sun can help warm your home.

Insulate Your Home Properly

A large portion of your heating can be lost through your ceilings, walls and floors. Which means you're paying for something you're not keeping. Proper insulation will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The higher the "R-value," the greater the insulating power.

Installing R-38 ceiling insulation can cut heating costs by up to 25%. In some areas of the Northwest, R-49 insulation is recommended. Your attic must also be adequately ventilated to prevent heat build-up in the summer. Good insulation also helps prevent this build-up. You can install insulation yourself or have a licensed contractor assist you.

Keep It Clean

A furnace with a dirty filter has to work harder to heat air for your home. Check filters at least twice during the heating season, and either clean or replace them. Also, check to see that heating vents are unobstructed so your system doesn't overwork itself getting heat into your home. Plus, it's a good idea to have your entire system checked every year by a qualified heating contractor.

Wear The Layered Look

Consider wearing layers of clothing inside the house. It will keep your body heat in, and you won't need to turn up the heat.