With the rising cost of fuel and the struggling economy, winter can be tough on people who have a difficult time making ends meet. If you are having a hard time paying your heating bills, there are fortunately a number of things you can do to reduce your heating costs during the winter. Below are a number of cost-cutting tips to help you reduce your heating bill.
1. Keeping your thermostat low will significantly reduce your heating costs. During the day, you can counter the reduced thermostat by keeping the blinds open to allow the sun in. It is recommended that you lower your thermostat by one degree to enjoy savings of up to 3 percent off your heating bill. When you go to bed, turn your heat down to 60 degrees. As well, close the drapes at night to keep the heat in. A programmable thermostat is an effective tool to keeping your thermostat at energy saving levels. If you are cold in bed, use an electric blanket.
2. Make sure your home is properly insulated. For instance, keep your windows and doors closed and make sure all air cracks have been properly sealed. Plastic sheeting is a good choice to cover windows and doors that you do not use during the winter. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when you are not using it. Also, wrap water pipes with fiberglass insulation or insulation foam. If you have an attic, make sure you have it thoroughly insulated to prevent heat from rising and escaping from the rest of the home. Seal all drafts throughout the home and attic and heat only the rooms you use. Caulking and weather-stripping can save up to 20% on heating bills.
3. Before winter have your furnace and ducts services and cleaned so that it does not have to work hard during the cold season. As well, cut down on bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans so the warm air does not escape from the house. After you shower, let the heat drift from the bathroom to the rest of the house. Installing a low-flow shower head can result in significantly less hot water being used. As well, heat from the stove will help keep the home warm so do not open the window when using the stove. If you have ceiling fans, reverse the switch so that reverse air is circulated to keep warm air in the room.
4. Turn your hot water heater down to about 120 degrees or a bit less. If you can afford it, use energy efficient appliances. You may be able to take advantage of tax discounts and special incentives. You may even get a discount on your home insurance policy. When it comes to clothing dryers, add a dryer vent seal to keep air from escaping. It only opens when the dryer is in use.
During the cold harsh winter months, the heating bill can drastically increase causing financial hardship. By implementing a few easy measures each winter, you can save a substantial amount on your heating bill while helping to protect the environment.
Author Resource:-
Heating Toronto and gas furnace Toronto based company provides boilers, ductless air conditioning and duct cleaning Toronto services so you can enjoy the comfort of your home. With over 60 years of experience, trust the home air quality experts at Laird and Son.
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