30 Ways to Cut the Cost of Heating Your Home

1. Be comfortably cool: Set your thermostat as low as you comfortably can. Besides saving fuel -- it's healthier.
2. Reduce heat at night: Before retiring, turn the thermostat down about 5°... turn it back to normal in the morning.
3. Wear warm clothing and you'll be comfortable with less heat. If you're chilly when you sit down, use a sweater or afghan.
4. Watch that open door: Just a few seconds can let in a lot of cold air. Say your "good-byes" before you open the door.
5. Use the fireplace on those "in between" days in the spring and fall -- to take the chill off without using the furnace.
6. but... Cold weather fires waste heat because more heat goes up the chimney than the fire gives off.
7. Use nature. Open shades and curtains to let in the warmth of the sun. If window coverings fit snugly, close them when sun goes down or doesn't shine.
8. Turn thermostat back to at least 60° if you take a winter vacation or leave for the weekend.
9. Humidity in the air makes it feel warmer so you can be comfortable with less heat. And it's healthier -- less winter colds. Install a humidifier -- furnace or console type.
10. Locate the thermostat away from windows, doors and possible drafts so that it won't keep the furnace going when the rest of the house is warm enough.
11. Arrange seating away from the chillier outside walls so you won't be tempted to keep turning up the thermostat.
12. Heating units shouldn't be blocked by furniture or draperies. This prevents even distribution of heat, can damage furniture and is a fire hazard.
13. Portable heaters can be the most economical way to fill limited needs for extra heat.
14. Garages need not be heated. It's let expensive to buy a good battery that will start your car when cold.
15. Shut off unused space: Areas such as spare rooms can be closed and not heated. Doors to all unheated areas should be kept closed.
16. Maintain you heating system for maximum efficiency. Have it checked annually by a professional. If you have a forced air system, change filters several times a year and have a blower adjusted for constant running.
17. Roof and Ceiling: You can easily pour loose insulation between ceiling joists -- or put down foil-lined batting either on the floor or between roof rafters.
18. Storm doors & windows pay for themselves in just a few seasons. They create a dead air space which is an excellent insulator.
19. A crawl space that opens into cellar for ventilation should be sealed from cold outdoor air, and cracks in foundation should be patched periodically with cement. If crawl space opens to outdoor air, insulate the floor with batting.
20. A chimney damper should fit tightly to prevent fireplace drafts. Check to make sure it's closed -- except when using fireplace.
21. Outside walls: batting or blanket insulation can be added when building a new house or renovating an old one -- or blown fill can be put (by a professional) between inner and outer walls.
22. Trees and shrubs can be planted near the house to break the force of the wind.
23. A vapor barrier between insulation and living area will keep insulation dry. This may be part of the insulation or may be installed separately.
24. Weather stripping around doors to outside or to unheated areas will keep out drafts. Metal weather stripping is more durable than felt.
25. Masking tape or temporary putty around windows will prevent drafts.
26. Spackling compound can be used to patch cracks in interior walls. Be sure to fill in cracks around outlets and switches.
27. Paneling on furring strips creates an air pocket and airs warmth to a chilly room. Insulation can be added between furring strips.
28. Caulking around window and door frames on the outside of the house seals cracks.
29. A good coat of exterior paint after caulking is done will seal tiny cracks you may not notice.
30. Any wall, floor or ceiling covering will have some insulation value for your home.