5 More Ways to Save on Heating Bills

Filed in archive Saving on February 3, 2009

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 278370

While I have already given you a number of tips about saving money on heating, I would like to give you a couple more. Once again, these tips are rather simple - but they sure do add up to money saved when you apply a number of them.

1. Use ventilation fans sparingly

If you leave your kitchen fan or bathroom fan running for awhile, you furnace will have a hard time keeping up. These fans, although small, can pull a lot of heat out into the open air real quick.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4802495


2. Use ceiling fans to distribute heat uniformly

While many people think about leaving these fans off in the winter, you should know that they will actually help your house feel more evenly heated. Just keep it on low and direct it toward the ceiling. It will help your furnace to come on less often.

3. Lower the thermostat on your water heater

Your water heater does not need to be heating the water all the time. By keeping the thermostat at about 120 degrees, you will save money.

4. Turn the heat down when you are away

If you go out of the house to work, or for a few hours, turn your thermostat down to about 65 degrees - or less. It will not take long to warm back up when you come back.

5. Enjoy home-cooked meals more often

By eating at home, you can let the oven (or stove) produce some heat, too. You might be surprised how much heat these appliances can radiate. It your thermostat is near the kitchen, you will save money.

If you are having trouble paying for your heating bills this winter, be sure to talk to an agency near you. Some that you might contact are:

• Your electric company
  


• Salvation army
  


• Community services.