5 Simple Steps To Saving Money On Heating Your Home

When is the last time you changed the filter in your heating unit? If you had to think for more than 10 seconds it's been too long. That dirty filter restricts the airflow. That means your unit works harder and less efficiently. That means you're spending more money on staying warm. Most filters are fairly cheap and they will pay for themselves in no time. Change your filter, it will also keep the dust to a minimum in your house too.

While the area around your doors and windows might seem air tight it only takes a little bit of space for cold air to creep in. You can find where you're allowing cold in and heat out by simply taking an incense stick and watching the trail of smoke. Hold the stick near the door or window and see where the drafts are coming in. You can use a towel as a quick fix but a more permanent solution will save you money in the long run.

If you are not using the fireplace make sure the damper is closed. Heat rises and your chimney is a giant vacuum cleaner when it comes to your warm air. Closing the damper allows the warm air to stay in the room instead being sucked up the chimney. If you do use the fireplace then make sure you reopen the damper. Otherwise you'll have bigger issues than a high heating bill.

You would think this common sense idea would be one we wouldn't have to mention but we do. Often times the sense of decor or home decoration takes major precedence over function. If you have vents that are along your baseboards or in your floor make sure they are not blocked by furniture, rugs or small animals. You want to make sure that the heat you are paying for is getting into your home.

Experts suggest that you can save 3% on your power bill for every one degree you lower the thermostat. The obvious answer to a lower temperature in your home would be the wearing of sweaters or sweatshirts. It's a good idea to have slippers and house shoes. You can close off rooms that aren't used that often too.