Got tips on how to save money on heating?
By jmara
Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 at 11:33 am in General.
Photo: www.senatorferlo.com
Yikes! Seems like winter descended upon us overnight. Got any tips on how to keep warm without sending energy bills skyrocketing? We’re all ears. At the bottom of this post, see that red “comment” link? Click on it and share your suggestion. The best ideas will be published in the Tribune next week.
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October 31st, 2006 at 5:18 pm
Keep the warm air in, and the cold air out. But also make sure your heating system is operating efficiently.
– change or clean furnace filter monthly in winter
– use weatherstripping and chaulk to seal leaks around doors and windows
– close the fireplace flue when not in use
– open drapes on sunny side of house but close drapes at night
– Install energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators; wash your clothes in cold water
– set water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or medium setting
– Turn your thermostat 5-10 degrees below where you typically set it, and further at night or when you’re away (health permitting)
November 1st, 2006 at 1:26 pm
One of the ways that I suggest handling home heating is to install a digitally programmable thermostat.
With these devices, you can set your home heater to stay off while you are away at work or school, and turn on just before you arrive at home.
We have more tips and products at http://www.iwantcleanair.com
November 3rd, 2006 at 8:44 am
I use the washer and dryer in the evening, sending a certain amount of heat upstairs. (Other than that, I’m in the market for tips myself, as this house, contrary to the landlady’s representation, is NOT insulated…..)
November 3rd, 2006 at 8:56 am
- Wear something cozy on your feet and neck.
- Take advantage of solar heat gain if you can.
- Close doors between heated and unheated rooms.
- Bake some cookies.
- Clean house, or do something else physical.
- Go to bed early.
November 4th, 2006 at 9:15 am
Anyone have suggestions for renters? I’m in a similar situation as Mara– living in an apartment with subpar insulation (in the northeast, no less).
November 6th, 2006 at 8:32 am
Warm clothes, keeping the thermostat down but not off, the usual. I think the programmable thermostat is one of the great inventions like the wheel; but mostly so I don’t have to get up on a cold morning and stumble downstairs half-asleep to turn the heat on, not to save money. Capital investments like double-paned windows, insulating the attic make a big difference but cost $$$ upfront.
November 6th, 2006 at 8:34 am
I have an electric throw that I use in the living room. Plus I do the usual open-the-drapes thing when the sun’s coming in.
November 6th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Since landlords often do not pay utility bills, they may not immediately recongize the value of making rental properties more energy efficient. But renters can urge their landlords make insulation improvements that will increase the comfort and value of rental housing. Many utilities like PG&E offer rebates for newer and more efficient appliances and windows. to increase the value of their propoerty and seek utility rebates for new windows and more efficient appliances like heaters. A 1008-unit apartment complex in Richmond, Calif. recently received hundreds of thousands of dollars in lighting and window upgrades that were paid for entirely by PG&E rebates. This saved energy for tenants, the landlord, and improved the value of the property.
November 7th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Two things that helped me are a whole-house humidifier and a heating system with a variable-speed fan that runs all the time at very low speed. The combination of higher humidity and air circulation helps eliminate cold spots, and when you’re sitting in a cold spot, that’s when you get tempted to crank the thermostat.
December 8th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
Have you ever tried air-activated hand & foot warmers? They are great, I think low cost (.69 cents to $2.00) and Very effective for cold weather, back pain, or arthritis! I have always had cold hands and feet and started using their hand warmers at a young age for skiing, but now I use the thin adhesive body warmers and hand warmers.
March 10th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as 15% by preventing warm air from escaping to the outside. Double glazed and thermopane windows or even clear plastic across windows can minimize heat escape