How to Save on Your Heating Bill

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to save on heating bills without exerting much energy. Minor modifications in behavior and some low-cost repairs around the house will make a difference. Bigger projects and expenditures, which require more planning and the assistance of a professional, are other ways to reduce energy costs. However, it does not matter whether the effort is big or small - the main point is to start today in order to reduce your heating bills.

Changing Habits = Big Savings

- Put on a sweater when feeling cold. Sounds simple but in the winter months there are people walking around in short sleeves and turning up the thermostat instead of adding another layer of clothing. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers can save up to 1% on their heating bill for every degree they lower their thermostat.

- Open the drapes and curtains when it is sunny out and close them when it is cloudy or when the Sun goes down.

- Prune trees and shrubs that block sunlight from the house.

- Avoid or minimize the use of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. They draw heat out of the house.

- Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use because heat is drawn up the chimney. Glass doors on a fireplace can help keep in heat.

- Do not use the stove or oven to heat the kitchen; this is a waste of energy and can be dangerous.

- Dust radiators and heat vents. Dust acts as an insulator and keeps heat from properly circulating.

- Schedule an annual check-up of the heating system before using it.

Simple Do-it-Yourself Projects

Sometimes we have to spend a little to save a little. Create a short list of supplies from the suggestions below and make a quick trip to the local hardware store or home improvement superstore.

- Buy caulk and fill cracks and holes where air is coming in the house especially around windows and doors. There are many types and colors of caulk so read the label to make sure you pick the best one.

- Buy weather stripping to block out air coming into the house from around doorways and windows.

- Buy duct tape to wrap around heating ducts where it is suspected the heat is leaking out.

- Buy insulation to wrap around pipes to prevent them from freezing and to save on energy.

- Buy insulation for the water heater.

- Buy putty to replace old and dried out putty around windows.

- Buy air filters and regularly replace them for your heat system. A dirty filter will not allow the system to work properly.

Learn Online and through TV

There are Web sites and TV shows that offer tutorials and instructions on how to save on heating bills.

- Visit the Do It Yourself Web site at www.doityourself.com for their cost-savings topics and home improvement forums.

- Check out Home Depot’s Web site at www.homedepot.com and Lowe’s Web site at www.lowes.com for “how-to” advice on cutting costs on the heating bill.

- DIY TV Network, which is a digital TV channel, is dedicated to do-it-yourself home improvement projects. See their Web site at web.diynet.com/diy/web/searchResults?searchString=heating for videos, articles, suggestions, and information on becoming more energy efficient.

Long Term Investments and Improvements

- Consider installing a wood, gas or electric fireplace, or fireplace insert. Determine the costs involved prior to selecting the fuel to burn in the fireplace with the Cost of Heating Worksheet from Travis Industries, Inc.

- Use insulated drapes and curtains in the wintertime. They also help to save on air conditioning costs.

- Get a programmable thermostat - automatic timer; when not at home, lower the temperature and program the thermostat to raise the temperature upon return.

- Heat by zones and only heat those rooms that are in use.

- Insulate floors over unheated spaces such as the basement, crawl spaces, and garage.

- Replace old appliances with new Energy Star label appliances and furnaces. Check efficiency ratings prior to purchase.

Final Suggestions

- Check out Federal Tax Credits for the replacement of old appliances with energy-efficient upgraded appliances, along with replacement windows, water heaters and other home improvements.

- Talk to your utility company for suggestions to save on heating costs. Many offer a home energy audit and make suggestions on how to use less energy. There might be financial incentives for making changes, too.

- Find out if your state has incentive programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.