Help Cool Down Your Heating Costs

Heading into cooler temperatures, homeowners need to be aware they may have to pay significantly more for heating this winter than last year. However, there are some things you can do to help keep heating costs down.

-Always make sure your damper is closed when not using the fireplace. Heat escapes through the chimney when the damper is open.

-Caulk around windows, doors, vents, air-conditioning units, pipes, anywhere that hot air can be let out and cold air let in. This is an inexpensive step and could save you 10 percent in heating costs.

-Invest in window coverings. Close curtains, blinds or shutters at night to help keep cold air out.

-Make sure all of your heating vents are open, working properly and not blocked by furniture or other items.

-Use a programmable thermostat so that you don't have to remember to adjust it manually. Set the temperature lower or off when you are away or sleeping.

-Heating water is about a quarter of a residential natural gas bill. To keep costs down, use a water heater blanket to wrap your water heater.

-Wash clothes in cold water or wash in warm water and rinse in cold.

-Consider replacing your furnace if it is 10 or more years old. Generally, a 10-year old furnace is only about 55 percent efficient. Look for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating; it tells the percentage of energy that is converted to useable heat; some furnaces are 96 percent or more efficient.

-Attics can be a huge source of heat loss; up to 45 percent of your home heat can escape through the attic. Make sure there is efficient insulation between the attic floor and your ceiling. Most experts recommend at least nine inches.