Save on your winter heating bills

Almost the entire country is feeling extreme snow and cold this week but there are ways to save on your winter heating bills; even with extreme cold. Here are a few ways to save on your heating bills today and the rest of the winter.

1. Replace your air filters! Dirty air filters make your heater work even harder, so just replace them every few months or buy one that is washable. The washable filters can last up to five years.
2. Set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise in the winter. This will push the warm air near the ceiling back down to the ground.
3. Use a programmable thermostat. You can save about 10 percent on your bill if you lower the thermostat 10 hours a day.
4. Wear warm clothing indoors in the winter and you can lower your thermostat.
5. Open the curtains during the day in the winter and let that much needed sunshine and warmth in.
6. Only heat rooms that you frequently use. If you can shut doors off to rooms and save on heat that way, go for it!
7. Look into storm doors and insulated windows. These may be larger investments to start with but will save big bucks in the long run.
8. Use a portable electric heater in the room you use most. Make sure you read the directions and use the heater safely (I have one going in the kitchen right now.)
9. Close the fireplace damper when not in use. Keep your home as air tight, as possible.
10. Make sure you contact a professional to take an overall look at your heating system. The last thing you need is your heating system to be pulling too much energy or go on the fritz the coldest night of the year.

There are many more ways to save on heating costs including making sure you have plenty of insulation in the attic and keep window drafts to a minimum. It’s always financially and frugally sound to be thinking and finding ways to save a few dollars keeping your family warm.