Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill

  • Let the Sun Shine In
    Use the sun’s rays to your advantage (bonus: they’re free!). Open curtains and blinds on your south-facing windows during the day to let heat in, and then close curtains at sunset to keep it in.
  • Leak-Proof Your Home
    Inspect your home for energy leaks (get tips on detecting air leaks from energy.gov), which can wreak havoc on your energy bill. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal leaks and keep warm air inside. For windows you rarely use during winter, get plastic window kits to further leak-proof.
  • Bump the Temp Down
    Just by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower, you can immediately begin saving. Consider installing a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature for even more energy-efficiency.
  • Pay Attention to Your Hot Water Heater
    Water heaters account for about 17% of a home’s energy use – adding up to about $400-600 per year for the average household. Bring that percentage down by: Using less hot water, setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees F, buying an energy star rated heater when it comes time to replace it, washing clothes in cold water and installing low-flow shower heads and faucets.
  • Maintain Your Heating System
    Have a professional check and tune-up your heat pump or furnace once a year. This could lead to big savings. Make sure they also replace any clogged filters, which can make your furnace work harder, thereby raising energy costs.
  • Close Unused Vents
    If you have rooms that are rarely used, fully or partially close the vents to redirect heat to other rooms.
  • Use Ceiling Fans
    As we learned in science class, heat rises, which means the air you’ve paid to heat rises and collects at the top of rooms. This can be especially costly in homes with high ceilings. Use your ceiling fans to push warm air downward – just make sure they’re set to run in a clockwise direction.
  • Check Your Attic Insulation
    If your attic doesn’t have at least 11 inches of insulation, you’ll most likely lose heat through the upper level of your home. Learn online how to install insulation yourself, or get bids from local contractors to do it for you.
  • Recycle Hot Air
    After cooking, leave the oven door open a crack to let the heat help warm the house. Bonus? You get to savor the delicious smell of those cookies or dinner a little longer.
  • Use Space Heaters in a Safe Manner
    Portable heaters are a good cost-saving option if you and your family are hanging out in one room for any length of time, or if you’re the only one home and are stationary. Remember to use caution whenever using space heaters.Follow the heater instructions carefully and always unplug them when not in use.
  • Bundle Up
    Sweaters, socks, and cozy blankets really do make a difference. By modifying some behaviors, you’ll begin to see cost and energy savings in no time.