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Family Resource Management

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Tips For Coping With Winter Heating Bills

  1. Shop and compare for gasoline. Working ten counties, I have to travel. Every town I pass through, I see varying gas prices. Be aware of prices where you purchase your gas and you may be able to save 20 percent on the other side of town.
  2. Change the way you drive. Obviously, there are not many motorists slowing down when I am traveling to my office in the morning. It looks like a racetrack. Leaving home a few minutes early can avoid the rush. Don’t brake suddenly or accelerate quickly. Use cruise control, keep tires properly inflated and take unnecessary junk out of your trunk.
  3. Think small. SUV’s are trendy, convenient and fun, but this may be the time to switch. Smaller cars and hybrids are more fuel-efficient.
  4. Think smaller. Bikes – even walking – are even cheaper! Of course, keep safety in mind.
  5. Install ceiling fans. By circulating the air, they reduce energy costs – in the summer and winter.
  6. Clean heaters; clean or replace air filters regularly. Be sure your heater, heat pump, gas furnace or radiator is serviced annually. Electric furnaces should be serviced every three years.
  7. Load up. Save energy and water by running your washing machines, dryers and dishwashers only when you have a full load. Use cold water to wash your laundry.
  8. Chill. Keep the thermostat on your hot water heater at 120 degrees.
  9. Make sure exterior doors and windows close tightly. Fix sagging doors and loose hinges. Replace your weatherstripping. Install storm windows
  10. Lighten up. Replace regular (incandescent) light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Yes, the initial cost may be higher, but these bulbs last longer and are more efficient. Also, consider installing motion sensors and light timers.
  11. Insulate water pipes in areas that are unheated. This may be in a utility room, under your house, etc. Not only does this protect against freezing but it also saves energy.
  12. Switch to appliances rated by Energy Star, the EPA-sponsored guide to energy-efficient products, services and technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy.

Sources for the above information: Energy Star, AAA, U.S. Department of Energy.