Most people pay more than $1000 in heating bills over the span of one winter -- yikes! Save money with these six tips from the KrazyCouponLady.
1. Start cooking. A hot oven heats the kitchen and surrounding areas, so this is a perfect time to bake or make oven-based dishes for dinner.
2. Clear clutter and other obstructions from heating vents. Keep furniture, toys and curtains away from vents so the hot air has a free path. Clearing obstructions away from vents can shave 20 to 50 percent off a heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
3. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees. Wear a sweater to stay warmer indoors and drop the temperature. Experts say that each degree that is lowered saves 3 percent on a heating bill.
4. Turn on the fan. Ceiling fans are popular for cooling a home, but if the direction of the fan is adjusted so it turns clockwise it will circulate warm air instead. This can reduce heating costs by 10 percent.
5. Adjust the water heater to 120 degrees. That temperature is still warm enough to wash dishes and take baths, but the adjustment helps save money in the long run.
6. Don’t heat unused rooms. Close the vents and keep the door closed in rooms that aren’t used regularly (like storage rooms and guest rooms).
7. Bring in the sunlight. Open the curtains or blinds when the sunlight is strong and hits a window or glass door. Use that natural solar power to bring heat into the room.
8. Cover it. Use a pillow to stop the draft under a doorway or cover windows with heavy plastic to keep out the cold air. Use heavy blackout curtains to cover drafty glass doors. Cover outlets on exterior walls with child safety socket plugs. Remember to close the damper on the fireplace when it isn’t in use.
For more information, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10330819.htm
