Winter Heating Tips for the Frugal Family

Brrrr! Baby, its cold outside! Even with just the brink of Fall at our fingertips we are already feeling the cool, crisp air from morning til night in our little house. So, I thought it would be a good time to share some Winter Heating Tips to help you save some dollars and keep warm too! Here is a list of 13 tips that will truly give you some extra savings this Fall and Winter seasons ahead!

1. Turn down your water heater. Most conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees or lower can reduce your water-heating costs by 6% to 10%.
2. Remember that hot water uses fuel too. Take notice of how much you use while bathing and washing dishes, and make an attempt to reduce consumption.
3.  Consider having a solar water heating component installed. This small, easily installed system is virtually maintenance free and warms the water your family uses on a daily basis, using the free heat from the sun.  And save the receipt because anything you do to be more efficient may be considered a tax write-off.
4. Eliminate drafts. According to the Energy Department, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Use caulk or weather stripping wherever possible and look around the house for drafts (using a candle to indicate air flow near windows and door jambs).
5. Change filters or consider using a permanent filter. Disposable fiberglass filters trap 10% to 40% of debris while electrostatic filters trap around 88%, and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illnesses, allergies and irritation.
6. Buy a timer for your thermostat or “smart” thermostat ($50-$100) which can be set to change the temperature for you when you know you won’t be at home, etc.
7. Buy low-flow shower heads and/or more water efficient faucets throughout your home.
8. Insulate wherever possible. Under doors and over windows (affordable, disposable plastic window coverings are available at most hardware stores and once applied, are virtually invisible). This includes your pipes and water heater (insulate “jackets” for your water heater are available for $25-$75 and are especially helpful if your water heater is in a garage or unheated area).
9. Use curtains wisely. During the day, leave them open to allow warm sunlight in and close them at night to insulate.
10. Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air downward.
11. Maintain your furnace. Oil-fired boilers should be cleaned and tuned annually, and gas systems, every two years ($100-$125). By maintaining your heating unit, you can save between 3% and 10% on heating bills, says ACEEE.
12. Research breaks. Many utilities offer discounts or rebates on energy-saving products. Call and ask. Loans are also sometimes available from the Government for major improvements that will incorporate energy-efficient products in your home. And save those receipts because again, anything you do to be more efficient may be considered a tax write-off. I actually called our company and they made our bill one low price each month for the entire year! 
13. Perform a home energy audit. Your state or local government energy or weatherization office can help you identify a local company or organization that performs audits. Some utilities offer free or discounted home energy audits. Contact yours to find out if this incentive is available.

The auditor will assess your home and then give you an estimate for upgrading your home for maximum energy efficiency. Again, save those receipts and write the upgrades off!

Thanks so much to Chris Faulkner, President & CEO of Breitling Energy Companies for these great tips!