Temperatures are starting to go down that means thermostats are going to be turned up. Tis the season, and even though this year isn’t quite as scary as last year, since fuel costs have stabilized somewhat, many of us are still wondering what we can do to cut energy bills this winter.
The good news is there are many things you can do. I’ve compiled a list below of some of the most common, and profitable, changes you can make starting today.
1. Have a professional make sure your furnace is in tip top condition. Also make sure to changes the filters monthly throughout the season.
2. Seal up leaky areas around windows and doors with a little expandable foam and/or caulk.
3. Lower the temperature on your water heater. You can also add an insulating blanket to your water heater so the heat doesn’t escape.
4. Use a programmable thermostat so you can lower the temperature when no one is home.
5. Add insulated curtains or blinds to your windows to keep the heat in at night.
6. Keep your blinds open during the day to let the sun in and close them at night to keep the cold out.
7. Get, and use, a humidifier. Ultra dry air feels colder than moist air so you can actually turn your thermostat down a little and still feel comfortable.
8. Install new, energy efficient windows and doors. If you can’t do that at least invest in a window kit to help insulate old drafty windows.
9. Build your own wind turbine to generate your own electricity. It only costs $200, you don’t need special skills, and it can be done in a day or two yet it can save you up to 80% off of your utility bills.
There you have it, a simple list of things you can do right now to cut energy bills this winter, and well into the future.
