Heading into this winter season a lot of families are justifiably nervous. It's a harsh economy and a lot of individuals are apprehensive about their employment and keeping pace with increasing expenses. However there are many cheap, or free, steps you can take to lower utility costs. Here a few of the easy, yet effective, changes you can start making today.
Number One Make certain your furnace is ready for the winter. Have a capable HVAC expert check and clean your unit. Once the heating season starts make sure to change your filters monthly. If the filter is unclean it will constrain airflow which will use more energy because it has to work harder.
2. Add a programmable thermostat. You can set it to automatically adjust the temperature at specific times of the day and specific days of the week. That way the temperature in your home will automatically go down during the day when nobody is home, or overnight. You can also set it to raise the temperature a little while before you wake up in the morning.
3. Look after your fireplace. Ensure the chimney is cleaned and in excellent repair. If you use your fireplace more often than once a week you ought to have it professionally cleaned once a year. Also install a cap or screen at the top of your chimney to keep birds from building nests.
4. Be sure to caulk around any windows and doors. The more heat loss you can stop the less your furnace will have to run, and that will save you money all season long. Using window kits is one more way to keep heat loss from older windows.
5. By using wind power and renewable energy, (think home windmill) along with the above winterizing tips will more than put you in front of the game; on lowering your long term utility bills.
Now is a good time to make some easy changes that can help you cut energy bills this winter. Take a few minutes now to save hundreds not only this winter but throughout the year and for years to come.
Number One Make certain your furnace is ready for the winter. Have a capable HVAC expert check and clean your unit. Once the heating season starts make sure to change your filters monthly. If the filter is unclean it will constrain airflow which will use more energy because it has to work harder.
2. Add a programmable thermostat. You can set it to automatically adjust the temperature at specific times of the day and specific days of the week. That way the temperature in your home will automatically go down during the day when nobody is home, or overnight. You can also set it to raise the temperature a little while before you wake up in the morning.
3. Look after your fireplace. Ensure the chimney is cleaned and in excellent repair. If you use your fireplace more often than once a week you ought to have it professionally cleaned once a year. Also install a cap or screen at the top of your chimney to keep birds from building nests.
4. Be sure to caulk around any windows and doors. The more heat loss you can stop the less your furnace will have to run, and that will save you money all season long. Using window kits is one more way to keep heat loss from older windows.
5. By using wind power and renewable energy, (think home windmill) along with the above winterizing tips will more than put you in front of the game; on lowering your long term utility bills.
Now is a good time to make some easy changes that can help you cut energy bills this winter. Take a few minutes now to save hundreds not only this winter but throughout the year and for years to come.
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