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.
