In celebration of the Freeze Your Buns Challenge, here are 10 tips to save on heating!
1) Lower your water heater setting
You can usually turn it down to about 120 degrees without noticing a difference.
2) Lower your thermostat
For every degree you turn it down you will save around 3% of your bill. If you like it warm, turn it down before you leave the house and turn it back up again when you get home.
3) Use free solar energy
Open the shades/drapes of the windows that face the sun. Close the drapes that don’t.
4) Cover your water pipelines
Foam covers are sold at Home Depot, Ace, and other home improvement stores. They are pre-cut and ready to go – all you do is slip them around the pipe. Easy, and they help your water stay hot
5) Use a programmable thermostat
You can program a programmable thermostat
6) Change your air filter
This will cost around $5 and it will save 3-10% on your heating bill.
7) Seal leaks
If your door seeps air than add a sweep, if your window frame leaks than caulk it. Wherever you feel a draft, try to close it up.
Clear your heating vents
If items are placed over or in front of the heating vent it restricts the air flow and causes your heater to work harder.
9) Do not overuse the bathroom and kitchen fans
These fans are designed to expel air to the outside at a super fast rate. Only use them when you need to.
10) Check your windows
If you can afford the super insulated ones then go with that. They will increase the value of your house and save money on your bill. If you do not have newer insulated windows then make sure any spaces on your current windows are patched/caulked and you can also apply a thin layer of plastic. Many stores sell plastic kits that stick to the frame of the window. They usually cost less than $5 (Amazon has a 5 window kit
