Money Saving Tips

There are some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce your heating costs. One is to lower your thermostat.
Energy experts say that you will save 2 percent on your energy bill for every 1 degree you turn down the thermostat.
So going from 75 degrees to 70 degrees would reduce your bill by about 10 percent.
if your home maintains a good level of humidity -- usually between 35 to 45 percent -- you will be more comfortable at lower temperatures. For this reason, you may wish to include a humidifier in your forced-air heating system or buy a stand-alone unit.

Here are some other small steps that will help you save money on your heating bills:

Caulk or add weather-stripping around window and door frames.
Insulate switch plates and electrical outlet plates on outside walls.
Adjust register openings to keep the rooms of your home at the desired temperature. If some rooms aren't used much, close the registers and the doors.
Close upper floor registers in the winter to allow hot air to rise; and open them in the summer to allow cool air to descend to lower floors.
Repair any cracks in the chimney or foundation of your home.
Install adequate ceiling insulation -- your contractor can tell you what’s appropriate for your area.
Install insulation in exterior walls wherever possible.
Keep doors to all unheated areas, such as the attic or garage, tightly closed.
Check your ductwork for air leaks. seal cracks or holes with duct tape.
Insulate your ductwork or piping if it goes through an unheated are a .
Install storm windows and storm doors, and be sure to keep them closed tightly.
Install a thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature setting at night.<
When your thermostat is installed, make sure it’s protected from drafts.
Close blinds or drapes over windows at night.

For other energy-saving ideas, contact your local gas utility.
Many gas companies offer home energy audits at a very reasonable price or for no fee at all.

Proper use and maintenance

Heating specialists recommend that you have your heating system inspected every year to ensure top performance and safety. Many contractors and gas utilities offer this service on a yearly contract basis.

Between inspections, homeowners should do a regular visual inspection of their equipment to look for signs of problems, such as soot or water collecting near a burner or vent. Natural gas burners should show a clear blue flame -- a yellow or orange flame may
indicated a problem.

Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris or other blockages, such as bird nests or leaves. Never attempt to bypass safety devices, and don’t store aerosol cans, containers of combustible materials or flammable liquids like gasoline or paint thinner near gas equipment.

With a forced-air system, clean or replace the air filters regularly. During the heating season, once a month is a good schedule. Remove dust and lint from the heating unit, vents and registers or baseboard heaters. Make sure that registers, radiators or baseboards are kept clear -- don’t let furniture or drapes block them.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual when using your equipment.