With the upcoming winter predicted to be colder than usual, large heating bills are looming just around the corner for many consumers. Consumers are consistently talking to one another and looking for solutions to cut back their costs this winter.
The Energy Information Administration predicts that households in the Midwest could pay about 70% more on natural gas and in the Northeast about 30% more for heating oil. Across the nation, the United States is predicted to see an overall increase of 24% on heat…scary!!
Consumers hunker down and resist turning on their heat until the last possible moment…this will probably be that point where you can’t stand to get out of bed in the early morning when your house is so cold. Many consumers in regions such as the Northeast are trying to resist turning on their heat until as late as December, but is this realistic or smart?
If you are looking to cut costs this winter, here are a few suggestions to get you started in the right direction.
1.) Turn Down the Thermostat
Nobody wants to be freezing this winter, but according to MSN.com, a common rule of thumb is that for every degree that you lower your thermostat, you cut your heating bill by about 3%. What you want to do is make sure that you program your thermostat (if you can) to lower the temperature while everyone is out during the day. This way you save a lot more on your heating bill, but when people are home they are still nice and warm.
2.) ‘Tis the Season to Bundle Up!
Okay, not something we all want to do, but adding a few extra layers rather than walking around the house in a t-shirt will help you keep your thermostat down but stay warm at the same time. With prices on the rise, every little bit counts!
3.) Keep Those Vents Clean and Clear
You want to make sure that nothing is blocking your vents (including a bunch of dust left over from the summer months). Blocking the vents with any type of furniture or rug can stop the heat from coming out of the vents and heating the room efficiently (although you are still paying for this heat to be on).
4.) Close Off Rooms You Might Not Use
Closing the heating vents in rooms that you don’t use often (or at all) during the winter will push the heat into the more important places in your house. If you don’t use the room, then what is the point of heating it?
5.) Replace Furnace Filters Monthly
According to our partners at MainStreet.com, replacing your filters can save you another 5% on your heating bill. Keeping your filters clean makes sure that you are getting the right amount of heat circulated through your house without all the dust blocking it. Check out the full MainStreet.com article on how to Plan Now To Cut on Winter Costs.
Try these five easy tips and see if your bill is reduced significantly. Don’t just wait around to see what your bill will be, it has already been predicted that your cost will rise this year. Be pro-active and prepare yourself for the worse, then when your bill comes you might be pleasantly surprised instead.
Photo: Kevin Rosseel
Related Article:
How to Winterize Your Home for Less
These Home-Heating Options Go Beyond Oil
Energy Tax Credits: Here to Stay
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