Winter is just around the corner and so are those high energy costs to heat your home. The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy and nearly half that is spent on heating and cooling. This year, you can make your home more efficient with these simple tips:
* Make sure windows and doors shut snuggly. Your heating unit will run longer, costing you more money, if there are cracks around your doors and windows.
* Make sure if you replace old heating equipment you don't go too big, you'll end up paying much more in energy costs to run a unnecessarily large heating unit.
* Check to see if your air ducts have any holes or leaks; especially check the duct leading outside. You also want to make sure no vents are obstructed.
* Check with your local utility provider and see if there are any rebates or specials on heating equipment.
* If your heating unit is more than 10 years old, you should have a professional examine the unit to see if it needs to be replaced. An ineffective heating unit will add extra costs to your energy bill.
* Set your thermostat to a lower setting, 70 is typically comfortable and affordable. You also want to make sure that when you leave for an extended period of time you lower the temperature only a few degrees. A drastic drop in temperature will require more energy to reheat your home if the temperature falls too low.
* Make sure your walls are properly insulated. Additionally, you can insulate wall outlets to completely insulate your home from the elements. Try asking a professional at Home Depot or Lowes to see what might work best in your home.
Saving money on your energy bills can make the holiday season more bearable. Expensive Christmas gifts can prompt credit card debt if you're already stretched financially. Every penny saved can make a tough season a little easier.
7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter
