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.

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Entry bubble Baby, It’s Cold Outside

By: Sam | November 28, 2007 | Category: Home and Family

I wouldn’t call myself a snow bunny.  In fact, I dread this time of year.  The bitterly cold walks to and from the metro, the howling wind, dressing in layers…I could just skip the next couple of months.  The only thing I really look forward to is the fashion.  Who doesn’t love a good pair of boots?

But as much as I would like to live in a tropical climate year-round, I must come to terms with Old Man Winter coming back into my life.  His unwelcome appearance means it’s time to get my home ready for the winter.  Thankfully, the ultimate home improvement guru Bob Vila has put together this handy home maintenance checklist.  There are plenty of great tips whether you live in a house, town home, or apartment.  Did you know a full fridge uses less energy than empty one?  Time to stock up!

With an average American spending $1,900 annually on energy bills and half of the energy going to heating and cooling your home, we can all take steps to reduce our energy use this winter, while still remaining comfortable.  Some things I try to do are change all my air filters before heating season begins, set back my thermostat when I’m away, use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), power down my computer and other electronics, and open my shades during the day.

To help you get started, I’ve put together some of my favorite resources that give you easy ways to lower your energy bill and make a big difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Please share any tips that you have about how to winterize your home or lower your energy bill. 

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: energy   heating   home   money   winter