Tips to Lower Heating and Cooling Costs
I know a lot of people spend time being miserable when they are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer - all in the name of saving money. Saving money on your heating and cooling costs doesn’t have to mean going to the extreme if you follow some simple tips.
- In the summer, set your thermostat to 78°. To keep things from getting too warm, turn on a ceiling, box or oscillating floor fan.
- Pay special attention to the windows that face the sun. In the summer, keep the blinds or curtains closed and in the winter, open them as soon as the sun shines through them.
- Make sure to check the filters in your central air unit and change them as often as the manufacturer recommends. Not only does it let air flow more efficiently, but it’s also better for your health. This is an easy task to forget, so mark it on your calendar.
- Look into a programmable thermostat. Many times you can even get a rebate on them through your local utility provider.
- Weatherization is key to preventing drafts. Check around windows, doors, electrical outlets, places where plumbing enters the house, and fireplaces. If you feel air, there are several ways to prevent it. Learn to caulk, insulate and use weather stripping.
You’ll be surprised to see what a difference just a few simple tips can make. Not only will you be more comfortable with the temperature, but you’ll be more comfortable paying your utility bills.
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[...] Keep the air conditioner/heater turned down. [...]
Good tips. I would add alternative sources for heat. I burn firewood all winter that I get for free or close to it. Nice blog you have here, I will be back.
We did the same thing this year. We used our fireplace a lot more this year than ever before. If you close all the bedroom doors it helps and then you don’t have to heat so many rooms.
Home Heating Tips
Heating is the single biggest energy use in homes. A well maintained heating system will hold down fuel costs and provide reliable comfort.
Thermostats should be located on an inside wall or where they will not be subject to draft or heat.
Use door snakes to reduce drafts.
Block off your open fireplace when not in use.
Capture as much sunlight as possible.
Close curtains before dark to keep heat in.
Use and extra blanket if a bit cold.
The many small openings in a home can add up to big heat losses. Caulking and weather stripping cracks in walls and floors, windows and doors will save fuel and money.
Use ceiling fans to distribute the heat throughout your home.
Proper insulation in walls, ceilings and floors also significantly reduces the loss of heat to the outdoors. Insulation will pay for itself in fuel cost savings and home comfort.
Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as !5% by preventing warm air from escaping to the outside. Double glazed and thermopane windows can minimize heat escape.
Water Heating Tips
Fix dripping faucets and start saving money today.
Adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater so the water at the tap is no more than 50 degrees C.
Use cold water when filling the kettle and only heat the amount you need.
Take showers instead of baths and save 5%.
Wrap your hot water heater with an insulation wrapper and save 5% or $58 per year.
Fit water saving shower heads and save $48 per year on average. http://www.oilforless.com