Save on Your Family’s Winter Energy Bills
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Winter Clothes:- Get dressed for the season. Free Pic by phaewilk via morguefile.com
With a tightening economy and every year bringing increases in the costs of energy, it is becoming imperative to find ways to cut back on energy usage. The winter heating bill is a great start, because heating represents a peak use, which may be subject to increased rates. Affordable modifications can dramatically increase the efficiency of home heating.
Many will choose to investigate alternative energy options for the heating system, such as home solar and wind units. While this has become economical over the years, it makes sense to focus on increasing efficiency first and use the money saved to invest in alternatives. Small solar units are not expensive and can power a home heating system that is only needed infrequently. Use these easy tips to cut down on your heating bill first and make room in the budget for further savings later.
#1 Cardio for Winter Savings!
Cardiovascular exercise is useful for more than preventing heart disease. Better circulation will keep you feeling toasty at a cooler temperature. While it is tempting to spend time at home underneath blankets, people are not bears and should not hibernate. A sedentary lifestyle leads to poor circulation that increases reliance on heating, so adopt a regular exercise program and turn down the thermostat.
#2 Dress for the Season!
Besides increasing circulation, you can keep personal body heat up by wearing the appropriate clothes. Sweaters, mitts, lined shoes, and thermal underwear are all designed to keep in body heat. This is a great way to decrease reliance on the heating system, however, it is also important to not overdress. Too much insulation will actually decrease your tolerance to cold weather over time. Wear layered clothing that can be modified easily for lounging around the house, exercising, and outdoor excursions.
#3 Close off Drafts!
Windows and doors, especially northern facing ones, will suck the heat from your home on a cold, winter’s day. Special insulation, such as plastic sheeting for windows and weatherproofing for doors can help, but choose the product carefully. any insulation products are a hassle to install. A cheaper option is to shop around thrift stores for comforters and blankets throughout the year, and install these on windows and unused doors at the first sign of cold weather.
#4 Heat Only What is Needed!
Portable space heaters provide savings by providing warmth to a smaller area. You can cut the thermostat and still be warm. Also, close off parts of the house that don’t see regular use. Shut the vents and doors to unused rooms and consider insulating those doors as you have the external ones.
#5 Let in the Sun!
The sun shining through a window is a free heating option, so southern-facing windows should be letting sunlight in during the day. Western windows that catch afternoon light should likewise be clear. Close blinds and drapes in the evening to prevent heat loss. Passive solar, with the above tips, can provide significant savings on your heating bill.
About the author: Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and he suggests that at times payday loans may be just what you need while waiting for your regular paycheck to arrive.
