Save on Heating Costs

After a typical scorching west Texas summer, most of us look forward to cooler fall and winter weather.  But as the outside temperatures fall, the indoor heating costs go up.  That peaceful, picturesque white snowfall can result in winter utility bills that are not nearly as pretty.

While we can’t change the weather, we can take a look at our habits and see if there are ways to safe money and possibly be more environmentally conscious.

With that in mind, let’s look at some easy habit changes that will benefit our budgets and our environment:

1. Add rugs to your floors to help insulate rooms. Dress in layers, warm sweaters and socks. Use flannel sheets and more blankets at night.
2. Clean or change air filters. Debris is unclean for breathing and will impede warm air circulation. This is an important tip and it’s often overlooked.  If you can’t reach your air filters, hire a younger relative for a few hours.
3. Lower the thermostat by 7-10 degrees when everyone is out for the day. Use a thermostat that automatically adjusts according to your schedule.
4. Have a pro inspect and tune up your furnace. The cost can be well worth the savings since old furnaces can work at just 60 to 70% efficiency.
5. Contact your utility company for a free home check-up. You may be able to offset service or upgrade costs by federal tax credits and/or utility rebates.
6. Check windows for leaks. Detect them by lighting a candle and watching if it blows in a certain direction. If you find any, seal them up with caulking, foam insulation or plastic insulation sheets.
7. Open the shades during sunlight hours and close them at night to retain the heat.
8. Use heaters to warm up isolated areas instead of turning on entire heating zones if all the space is not in use. Also, close vents in rooms not being used to avoid unnecessary output.
9.  Reduce your water heater temperature to 120 degrees, which is safer for skin and easier on heating costs.

These are just a few ways you can prepare for both the colder temperatures and try to get ahead of the higher winter utility bills. Stay safe and warm this winter!