Home heating bills increased quite a bit this winter here in Wisconsin and learning ways to help lowering the bill are easier than one might think.
1. Install a SMART programmable thermostat. (Focus on Energy) has a list of Qualified Thermostats). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family that sets back its thermostat by about 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day while sleeping or out of the house can save 5 to 15 percent a year on home heating costs.
2. Turn down the water heater. Reducing your water heater’s temperature to 120°F (down from the typical 140) can lead to energy savings of 4% to 22%, and up to $400, according to the Energy.gov.
3. Replace dirty furnace filters. The typical pleated air filter lasts roughly 90 days. (Home Depot)
4. Check for leaky door and windows. The best way to do this is use a smoke pen or a candle. With a smoke pen you will see the draft move the smoke in the direction of the wind coming in. The same works for the flame of the candle.
5. One not so obvious is to turn on your ceiling fans. On the fan itself there should be a switch where you can reverse the direction of the blades. In the winter you want the warm air to recirculate.
