Is the high cost of heating during these long, cold winter months getting you down? While there's a constantly increasing cost of energy and desire to use less of it, some homeowners are motivated to look for ways to save and cut the high costs off their home's heating bill. With as little as a few simple changes, a few small home projects and a few energy saving habits, you can save money and use significantly less energy during these long, cold winter months.
Windows
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Some homeowners choose to make an investment in their homes by replacing their old storm windows for new energy efficient windows, but if new energy efficient windows are not in your budget this year, there are simple steps you can take to stop the cold air from entering your home and the warm air from escaping.
Purchasing new energy efficient windows is one of the best ways to stop cold air from entering your home and warm air from escaping, as well as preventing you from spending more money on your home's heating costs this winter season. New energy efficient windows can be quite a large investment if it is not in your yearly budget for home repairs.
If new energy efficient windows are not in this year's budget, you can always take steps to winterize your existing windows.
Weatherize your windows
Some homeowners tend to use a thick plastic film to safely secure and weatherize the windows in their home, this is a very effective method, but another option is using a plastic survival blanket. Some homeowners would never think to use survival blankets to weatherize their home, but they are very inexpensive, costing as little as . per window treatment. They can be purchased in the camping section at your local department or home improvement store; Wal-Mart, Kmart or Lowes. In addition to the plastic survival blanket, you will need a tape measure, hammer, double face tape or small tacks to safely secure to the window facing.
To begin weatherizing the windows in your home, first measure the size of the window. Once you have a proper measurement of the window, measure the survival blanket for proper fitting. A majority of the time, survival blankets are folded into a tiny rectangular shape. Once the window and survival blanket have been measured, place the shiny side of the survival blanket toward the inside of your home to help reflect the heat back into the room. The survival blanket, or plastic film, will allow some light to shine into the room, while sealing out the cold and saving you money.
In the event that survival blankets are not available in your local department store or home improvement center, place a simple spring tension curtain rod behind your existing curtains and fold a blanket over the tension rod. This will provide a heavy protective cover to assist in sealing out the cold. Using standard blankets will eliminate natural light from entering the room. During the warmest part of day, you can tie the curtains back to help allow natural light to enter the room.
Heating
Regardless of whether you use gas or electric heat in your home, you can save energy and cut costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting. During the winter months, it is highly suggested that homeowners reduce the thermostat to a temperature between 68 and 70 degrees.
Also, consider reducing the thermostat by 5-10 degrees during the night for comfortable sleeping, some experts claim sleeping in cooler temperatures is beneficial; this will help you to rest comfortably and save you money at the same time.
Dress for the season
Most homeowners tend to adjust by maintaining the temperatures in our homes in the cold winter months so we can continue to wear summer clothing. Remember, it is winter and you need to dress for the season. Proper winter clothing includes sweaters, long sleeve shirts, sweat shirts, sweat suits, long pants, socks, slippers or house shoes, and it is very important to layer your clothing to keep your body warm and comfortable.
Other options include placing throw blankets and covers on the couch or arm of the chair to provide convenient, but extra warmth to comfort you while you relax. Also, add extra blankets or comforters to your bedding to provide extra warmth and comfort while you are resting.
Clean your heating filters
One easy way to cut costs and conserve energy is to change or clean the air filters on your heating system once a month. Dirty air filters tend to hinder air movement and, long term, can raise your monthly heating costs.
Service your heating system
It is highly suggested that homeowners service their heating systems every fall. By having a furnace technician check your heating system, adjust and lubricate the furnace in your home it can save you up to 5% of your monthly heating energy.
How to Save Money on Your Home's Heating and Cooling Expenses
Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver Utah for more information about these services and products including replacement windows in Salt Lake City, and more! They offer a free estimate!
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