Ways to Save Cash

We all need to save in these times of recession and that includes on heating costs. If you live in an area that is cold in the winter, heating costs can take a large bite out of your monthly budget. Home heating fuel costs are escalating and you may be paying 2 times what you paid a few years ago.

You can cut heating costs by using these tips: Walk through your home, identify sections where heated air leaks out. All those gaps around your doors and windows can add up. Don’t forget around plug-in and any hosing that is installed through a wall. In fact, a typical home that hasn’t been weather-stripped is like having a window wide open all winter. Check doors, windows, fireplaces and any area that you feel a draft. Use appropriate means to seal off these leaks such as plastic sheeting, door sweeps, weather stripping and caulking. Add additional insulation where needed if your home is poorly insulated.

Using ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens can suck all your heat out of the house in as little time as 1 hour. Ventilation fans increase your heating costs by substantial amounts. If there is an area of your home you do not use often do not heat this area. Close the vents or cover them with plastic by pulling them up and folding plastic around vent and replacing. I have done this and laid a brick on it, call me crazy but it worked.

Lower the heat and use oil filled heaters or energy efficient space heaters that cut off and on to keep a bit warmer in the room you are using.

There are two basic kinds of electric space heaters. The first type, a radiant heater, only heats objects in front of it. It’s good for spot heating but doesn’t raise the temperature of the air in a room. You’ll find them for $40 to $70 in wattage’s from 750 to 1,500.

The other kind of space heater is a convection heater. They actually warm the air in a room. That’s better for a room where people are moving around. They, too, will put out between 750 and 1,500 watts. Expect to pay between $20 and $50. When using a space heater be sure to read and follow all safety instructions. They can be dangerous if not used properly. Among the things to watch out for is not having any cloth or paper too close to the heater. You’ll want a couple of feet of space all around. They’re also inappropriate for homes with small children who could be burned. Keep your heating equipment in top operating condition.

Change filters when necessary as they can reduce the efficiency of your unit or furnace. Have your equipment checked just before the season begins to be sure it will operate at highest efficiency and use less fuel. It is wise to not turn up the thermostat above the desired temperature as it will not heat up any faster, but will make your furnace or unit work harder. As turning your heat down too low can cost you because the home and contents have to be re-heated along with the cold air. Using 68 to 70 degrees while home and 68 to 60 degrees while sleeping or away are not unreasonable temperatures. Think about installing a programmable thermostat to lower and raise temperature at pre-set times.

Lower the temperature on your hot water heater if possible 120 degrees is hot enough to use the dishwasher and take a shower. If it is tempting to take a long hot shower on a cold day cut your time you can save about 33% on your water heating costs. For water heaters in cold rooms use an insulation blanket that is available for your type of water heater.

Wash clothes in cold water. Run your dryer on a colder setting, most clothes dry within 40 or so minutes, over drying only costs you money.

Open the blinds and curtains on the sunny side of the home in winter and close them as soon as the sun is going down to retain solar heat. Close curtains on the shady side of your home. Curtains made of different heavy fabrics and thermal properties can prevent cold air from seeping in and warm from seeping out. This reduces heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.

Ceiling fans can also help. Hot air rises. In a house with high ceilings that can mean that all the hot air is just hanging around over your head. A ceiling fan set on low can circulate the warmer air. A tip for staying warm: Stay warm and cozy with fleece coverlets while you sit watching television or reading. Wear warm clothing such as long-underwear and fleece jogging suits, sweats or what ever feels most comfortable and warm.