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Entry bubble Saving Money on Home Heating

By: Jess | November 05, 2009 | Category: Home and Family

FurnaceWe've already changed the clocks and soon that winter chill is going to start creeping into the air (unless maybe you live in Florida, in which case, I'm a little jealous).

Winter usually means a spike in the cost of your energy bills from having to run the heat. But if you're looking to keep costs low this year, and really who isn't, the Federal Trade Commission's Weathering the High Cost of Heating Your Home offers several tips that will help you save money this winter.

Check out some of the suggestions:

  • Check drafty areas of the house (like the attic and basement) to be sure they are properly insulated to not let heat escape.
  • Look into installing a programmable thermostat that can keep your home at a cooler temperature when you're not there, and turn it up an hour before you get home.
  • Vaccum air vents, heaters and radiators regularly to prevent blocked airflow.
  • Seal any flues in your fireplace if you don't use it.
  • Close the doors to rooms that don't get used frequently.

What are your best tips for saving money on heating costs in the winter? Share them in the comments.

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: heating   jess   money   savings  

Comments (2):

blue comment bubble Posted by allie_wlp on November 06, 2009 at 06:53 PM EST

Winter is not only a time where people see hikes in their heating costs, but it can also present serious dangers to individuals and families across the United States. In the search for alternative sources for home heating, people need to be aware of some of the added dangers that accompany substitutes to regular home heating. There are three main alternative heating sources that have caused countless residential fires: wood burning stoves, space heaters, and wood burning fireplaces. One common mistake for people who use wood burning stoves and fireplaces is not having proper ventilation. Space heaters are also a common source of residential fires during the winter season. Space heaters need to be placed away from any combustible materials, such as curtains. Kerosene heaters can also be hazardous because of the possibility of carbon monoxide buildup. This is so dangerous because carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause symptoms similar to the flu or even death. While many people are trying to cut costs by using these alternative sources, it is important to know the hazards associated with these.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Aaron on January 02, 2010 at 07:04 PM EST

Remember using your fireplace, chimney, or woodstove and burning wood or pellet stoves is 8 times cheaper than electric heating. If you havent used your fireplace is awhile you should look into getting a <a href="www.chimney-sweep-seattle.com">chimney sweep</a> done. The governent has also offered a 30% tax credit up to $1500 on total bill for purchase an installation of a new wood stove, gas stove, or pellet stove. As a <a href="www.chimney-sweep-seattle.com">seattle chimney sweep</a> ill tell you heating your home doesnt get much better than this.

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