It doesn’t really matter if you are a homeowner or a renter, if you are paying for your own heat; the cost of keeping warm has been rising for years. It has gotten to the point where some people, especially those on fixed incomes, have to make hard choices between being warm and being hungry. Here are some tips to help to minimize your heating bills.
Insulate
If you own your home you need to check your insulation. Losing heat around windows and through your walls and ceilings is a big waste of money. There are a variety of different types of insulation that you can lay down or have blown in to help keep the valuable heat you have to stay where you need it. If you rent, talk to your landlord if you are losing heat.
Cover your windows
If your windows are steaming or icing up you may be losing heat there. There are plastic sheets that you can see through that you place over your windows that help to keep the heat in. They are easy to install. Some of the sheets attach with tape and other have the tape already attached to the sheets and then you warm them up with a blow dryer and they fit very tight over the window. If this is not something you can or want to do then having insulated shades or drapes can help to keep the cold out and the heat in.
Caulk or weather stripping
If you are feeling a draft near your windows or door the first thing to do is to check the weather stripping or caulk. This is one of the least expensive fixes for heat loss. Doors are the main offenders. Check to see if there is light under or around your exterior doors. If there is, you are losing precious heat. Your local hardware store sells inexpensive weather stripping. You can also buy a draft snake which is a snake-shaped draft-blocker that fits on the bottom of your door. This requires no insulation it just slips on and can be removed when the cold weather is over.
Install timed thermostat
When you are at work or sleeping, your home does not need to be as warm as it does when everyone is at home. By installing a thermostat that changes the temperature several times a day, you can really minimize your heating bill. When no one is at home you can lower your heat by 10 or 15 degrees. It is amazing the difference in the amount of fuel that is used to heat a home or apartment to 60 degrees and what it takes for 70 or 75.
Consider eco-friendly options
If you are willing to spend some money, you can help to reduce the amount of money you spend on heating and also the impact on the environment by introducing a geothermal system into your home. It uses the heat underground to help lower your costs and is a really good option if you can afford it.
Shop around
Call all the local fuel dealers and ask for price quotes. Negotiate if you can. Dealers want customers, you want a good price. Don't be afraid to ask for possible discounts.
Efficiency
It is important to make sure that whatever heating unit you are using is working at maximum efficiency. Changing filters and getting furnaces cleaned is important to get the most from your unit with the least amount of fuel.
No one wants to be cold. No one wants to be hungry. Using these tips, you should be able to minimize the amount of fuel you are using and the price you are paying for that fuel.
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