When the Farmer’s Almanac predicted this was going to be a cold, frozen, bitter winter they were spot on. Most of the country is “chillin’” right now and you know what that means. Your heat bill is red hot. How can you brave the season and save?
Go High Tech
Brad Paine, Home Comfort and Energy Expert at Honeywell suggests a high-tech tip. “A Wi-Fi-connected thermostat is a great solution to cut heating costs, as it allows you to adjust your thermostat from anywhere in the world via your smartphone. Many smart thermostats will also learn your heating preferences and adjust the temperature according to your normal routine.
For instance, if you always turn the heat down before bedtime, the smart thermostats will begin to automatically do this for you. On average, these devices can save you up to $170 per year.”
Watch Your Water
Brad says other heat-saving ideas you may not think about actually come via using water in your home. “Turn down the hot water heater: Many water heater thermostat manufacturers ship products that are preset at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most of us don’t need water to be that hot. In fact, 120 degrees Fahrenheit should suffice for most households.”
When you wash your clothes use cold instead of warm or hot water. That will help you save, too. And just like the famous Seinfeld episode portrayed, get a low-flow showerhead to help you save on warm water You may also be eligible for tax credits for reducing energy use.
Tune-up Tips
Energy provider Reliant recommends:
1. Tune up before you turn up the heat.
A poorly functioning furnace can be an inconvenience. More importantly, it can be dangerous if left undetected. A qualified HVAC expert can help you inspect and maintain the key components of your system, including chimneys, fireplaces, filters and fuel lines.
2. Seal up the house.
According to The Department of Energy, by reducing drafts in a home, energy savings can range from 5 percent to 30 percent per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check and replace the seals in your house, especially those on doors to the basement and attic. Try sliding a piece of paper through the crevice between the door and the frame. If it slips through, it’s time to replace the seal.
3. Keep hot air from rising.
Now that you’ve turned your clock back, turn fans clockwise for the winter to redirect air toward the living space, making the most of the warm air in the house.
4. Try smart and easy ways to stay warm (without breaking the bank).
Heaters can be responsible for 60-70 percent of your winter electricity bill. For those who like to keep toasty in the winter, try an electric blanket, which only costs .02 cents per hour to operate. And don’t forget to take advantage of the heat generated by the sun simply by opening blinds and curtains during the day to let the sunshine in.
What are your out-of-the-box or favorite ways to save on heat costs? Let us know in the comments section
