Energy prices could increase over 30% this winter, depending on the fuel used for heating. Natural gas could cost an average of $746, 30% more than last year. Electricity might average $1,268, up 6%. Maybe you know all of the following but even one new bit could be worthwhile.
Get a furnace tuneup that includes cleaning and testing heating equipment, corrosion inspection, and identifying parts needing replacement. Check how often the furnace filter needs changing (could be monthly). Dirty ones restrict airflow, making the furnace work harder.
Install programmable thermostats. Set to lower heat at night or while away. “smart” models can work with phone apps, letting you adjust the temperature from afar.
Save about 1 to 3 percent on your bill for each degree you lower your thermostat. Slowly reduce the temperature to a comfortable degree. Our bodies acclimate, so lower it one degree. Wait a few days until you’re used to that before lowering it another degree.
Don’t crank the thermostat too high when you come home. Oversetting doesn’t warm the house faster, just makes the heating unit run longer.
Free home energy audits/checkups are available to homeowners and identify issues affecting energy usage, like leaky faucets, gaps and cracks, inefficient light bulbs and older shower heads. Your utility provider may swap out certain items free. If renting, ask the landlord to have the utility company perform an assessment. Such services can lower your bill by 10 to 20%.
Tiny cracks and gaps can cause the same energy and comfort loss as a window left open year-round. Use caulk or weatherstripping around doors and window frames to seal them. Seal gaps where pipes enter your home with expanding foam insulation, available in spray cans. Insulate walls, attic, basement and crawl spaces.
Open shades or blinds during the day letting the sun warm your space. Southern exposure may create enough warming for your heater to run less frequently or not at all. At night, close window coverings, trapping in the heat.
Make sure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use. Close the room’s doors when using a fireplace to conserve heat.
Switch to LEDs that use about 75% less energy and last about 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Reset your hot water heater to about 120 degrees providing about 10% in savings on your energy bills. When you leave town, turn it down further.
Use your washing machine’s cold setting. Run full dishes and laundry loads. Time washes so the dryer doesn’t cool down between loads, using more energy as it reheats.
Things with a digital display or glowing light use energy when not operating. Unplug them or cluster like items together (i.e. a scanner, printer and paper shredder) on a power strip you can turn off and on as needed.
Use the most energy efficient appliance. Slow cookers are better than stovetops for stews and soups. Toaster ovens use a fraction of an oven’s electricity. When you open the door, the oven temperature drops about 25 degrees, and has to work harder to climb back to its set temperature. After turning off the oven, leave its door open. Residual heat helps warm the kitchen.
www.washingtonpost.com/home/2021/11/16/tips-save-money-heating-bills/