It's Cold Out There

January 15, 2009

Ways To Lower Heating Bills Most of these things you already know – but it’s a great time to review

•Lower your thermostat. Try reducing your usual daytime temperature by at least one degree. For each lowered degree, you’ll save one to three percent off those heating bills. At night, turn down the thermostat to 60 degrees: It’s much healthier, you’ll feel better when you awaken, and you’ll save money. If you go away for a weekend or more, lower thermostat to 55 degrees.

•Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans less. Exhaust fans pull warm air out of the house and let in cooler air that will need to be heated. Use fans only when necessary.

•If you have a service contract with a heating provider, it will usually include an annual check and tune-up of your heating system. Don’t rely on the company to contact you about scheduling this service. Be sure it is performed annually; doing so can save up to 10 % on heating bills.

•Close the damper on your fireplace when not in use. If not, your chimney will draw warm air out of the room and create a draft.

•Close off unused spaces (attic, garage, basement, spare bedrooms, storage areas) or heat only those rooms that you use. If your heating system has vents, close off heating vents in unused rooms.

•If you have ceiling fans, reverse the switch so they blow upward toward the ceiling. The reverse air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.

•Reduce your hot water heater temperature to 115-120 degrees.

•Keep blinds and drapes open on sun-exposed windows during the day. Close these same drapes at night to help impede the escape of heat.

•Dust builds up on radiators and baseboard heating vents, and then reduces the amount of heat that can get into a room. Dust and vacuum these surfaces often.

•Prune branches from trees and bushes that block the sun’s rays into your home.

•If possible, sign up for a budget plan with your heating provider. Although this will not reduce the actual yearly dollar amount, it will make your bill-paying more manageable when spread evenly over a 12-month period.

•When you add energy-efficient items to your home, check for possible tax breaks or discounts on homeowner insurance policies.

•Check with local utility companies for free energy audits.

If your natural gas company is charging more than $ .95 per therm as of January 15th 2009, contact the Oak Grove Sales Office for possible savings. 706-583-2999

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