Winter and those colder temperatures are coming. Now's the time to get ready to save fuel and funds. Have you tried any of these easy and inexpensive fixes? Got any other ideas for us? We'd love to hear'em!
- Put on a sweater, fuzzy slippers or warm socks, or knit yourself a cozy blanket to warm your body, not the whole room.
- Close the door! Your Mamma told ya not to heat the whole outdoors, and she knew a thing or two! Remember to close closet doors and close off unheated areas of your home, too.
- Apply a window-insulator kit to reduce drafts and create an extra thermal barrier. (Don't forget to close curtains after dark, and open them during the day to let the sun in for solar gain.) You'll feel warmer, tool. >>See how to do it.
- Seal air leaks in and around your home (vents, windows, and doors are common problem areas). You can apply caulk, foam, weather stripping to stop air leaks. >>Learn more about weatherization.
- Install foam gaskets to seal receptacles and switch boxes. It's an inexpensive and very easy DIY to reduce drafts. >>See how to do it.
- Check your heating vents to be sure they aren't obstructed by furniture, clutter or curtains. If your ducts are blocked, the room won’t heat the way it’s supposed to, causing the unit to work harder and less efficiently.
- Make sure your boiler or furnace is cleaned and serviced annually by qualified personnel to extend the life and efficiency of the heating system while ensuring safe operation.
- Turn the thermostat only to the desired temperature. Your home won't heat any faster by cranking it up. Consider getting a programmable thermostat that adjusts to your schedule.
- Turn down the thermostat. If you have a furnace or boiler, consider turning down your thermostat to 55 degrees when the house is unoccupied and to 60 degrees at night when you are sleeping. The more you turn down the heat when you don’t need it, the more you will save.
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