6 Tips for Saving Money on Home Heating
For military families on a budget, every penny counts and nothing can ruin that budget quicker than a high energy bill. Keeping your monthly bill manageable may seem like a challenge given the rising heating cost, however, cutting home heating costs is actually relatively easy. Most of these simple energy-saving measures and practices can be implemented over the course of a weekend. They’re small steps that can amount to big savings.
Photo courtesy of Zane Hollingsworth -
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1. Shop around – Whether you use oil or natural gas to heat your home, chances are you have choices. Do your research and find the company that offers the best bang for your buck. It’s your money; give it to the utility company that offers the best service for the lowest price.
2. Improve efficiency - Give your heating system a surprise inspection and don’t accept anything less than tip-top performance. Many HVAC companies offer free system check-ups. A poorly performing heater can cost you a bundle while still leaving you in the cold. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to better manage your home’s temperature. You can save up to 5% on your energy bill for every degree you lower the thermostat. Set the thermostat to shut off during the hours your home is empty and kick on a half hour before you come back. You should also use your ceiling. Although it may seem counterproductive, a ceiling fan will spread the warmth throughout the room and give the heater a break.
3. Hunt down the energy drains - You may be heating the neighborhood without knowing it! Check windows and doors for drafts and cold spots. Install foam weather-stripping around entrance points. Invest in weatherized curtains for windows. You’re paying for all that heat; keep it inside where it belongs.
4. Let the sun work for you – In the winter, open the south-facing window curtains on sunny days. It may not be warm outside, but the glass will serve as a solar heater for the room.
5. Perform an energy update – If you’re looking to save money long-term, consider spending a bit to update your windows. Older homes often have single-pane windows that let the heat out. Double-pane, energy efficient windows may require a bit of a financial outlay, but they’ll save you thousands in the long run.
6. Take advantage of weatherization assistance – The U.S. Department of Energy offers weatherization assistance to low income families in an effort to permanently cut heating costs. Those who take advantage of the service save an average of $400 annually. A whole-home inspection is provided, as are the necessary materials to make your home draft and drain free.
Heating your home can be a major expense, and a military loan from Just Military Loans can offer financial support if you ever get a whopper of a bill. Yet taking the necessary measures to conserve energy and lower your heating bill is a long-term approach to your family a lot during the colder months. Make sure your home heating system is working as hard as you, and put these tips into action!
Do you have another idea on saving money on heating bills? How do you make your home more energy-efficient? Please share your insights and tips!
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