By Jessica Roberts
Most heat sources are expected to cost more this winter compared to last season. Recent estimates of heating costs for a typical home show the greatest price jump for natural gas:
- Natural gas = $679 (13% higher)
- Propane = $1,666 (9% higher)
- Electricity = $909 (2% higher)
- Heating Oil = $2,046 (2% lower)
But hefty energy bills don’t need to dampen your winter holiday season. Lower your home energy bill and save money this winter with these 7 simple and effective energy and money saving tips:
1. Start with an Energy Audit:
- An energy audit will assess the needs and energy efficiency of your home.
- An energy audit can be done by yourself, local utility company, or independent energy auditor.
2. Take Care of Your Furnace:
- Heating the home accounts for 45% of your winter energy bill.
- Set the thermostat to 68°F during the day.
- Set lower during the night or if you are away from home.
- You can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10-15 for 8 hours.
- Heat pumps, electric resistance heating, steam heating, and radiant floor heating may require specially designed programmable thermostats to get the same results.
3. Take Care of Your Water Heater:
- Water heating accounts for 18% of your bill.
- Set your thermostat at 120°F to reduce heat lost to the environment.
- Wrap old water heaters with an insulation jacket.
- Insulate hot water pipes for additional energy savings.
4. Seal Air Leaks:
- Thoroughly check the interior and exterior of your house for cracks, gaps, and holes. Pay special attention to chimneys, ceilings, plumbing fixtures, furnace flues, electrical outlets, switches, windows, and doors.
- Fill spaces with caulk or spray foam according to the size of the opening.
- Add a door sweep under exterior doors.
5. Upgrade Windows:
- Install exterior or interior storm windows.
- Install a window insulation kit.
- Install insulating window shades.
- Keep curtains and shades at closed night, open during the day.
- Clear south side windows for winter sun to heat your home.
6. Improve Insulation:
- Add insulation to the attic – the most cost-effective way to add comfort all year.
- Add insulation to exterior walls if it still feels drafty.
- Consider adding insulation to crawlspaces and basement.
- Check with a professional contractor for proper installation.
7. Find more Green Living Tips HERE.
Take advantage of these simple home improvement tips and enjoy lower heating costs, reduced energy use, extra savings, added warmth and comfort this winter.
Jessica Roberts is a REALTOR® with Exit Realty Achieve in Smithtown, NY. She specializes in a holistic approach to home buying and selling. As a Certified Holistic Health Coach, yoga instructor, and fitness nutrition specialist, she understands how a holistic perspective to wellness results in optimal well-being. Her former career as a veterinarian developed her focus, dedication, and responsibility to her patients and clients. Her passion is creating the ideal home experience using holistic principles to find balance in the ever-changing economy, community, and environment.
Originally posted at http://jessicaroberts.realtytimes.com/advicefromagents1/item/26644-7-tips-to-lower-your-home-energy-bill-this-winter
Help Lower Your Monthly Bills is a blog dedicated to helping you save money on your monthly bills. We find the best money saving tips and offer them on our easy to navigate blog. We also offer a easy to use workbook that is guaranteed to lower your monthly bills and save you hundreds of dollars a year. Hopefully you find this information helpful and put it to use in your montly budget!
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