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6 Ways to Save on Energy Costs

1. Lower the Thermostat 

Each degree you lower the thermostat on your heating system decreases your fuel bill by 3 percent. Going from 72° down to 68°F doesn't matter much in terms of comfort, but it can save up to 12 percent on your heating bill. Cost: $0

2. It's Closed-Flue Season. Minimize Those Romantic Fires 


3. Move Furniture Away From Vents, Registers, and Radiators 


4. Adjust Your Water Heater

You use more hot water in winter. Lower the water heater temperature from 140° to 120°. And take showers, not baths. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average bath consumes up to 25 gallons of hot water, while a five-minute shower uses up much less - only around 10 gallons. Equipping your showers with low-flow showerheads also dramatically reduces the consumption of water, both hot and cold. Cost: $0

5. Work the Drapes 

Got drapes or curtains that block sunlight? Open them during the day to get free solar heat (make sure windows are clean). And then close the curtains just before sunset. Also, consider insulating curtains (around $100 per window). As a general rule, each square foot of window that you insulate at night saves about 1 gal. of oil or nearly 1.5 cubic feet of gas a year, which means that insulating curtains pay for themselves in around seven years, to say nothing of the added comfort. Cost: $0

6. Change Your Furnace Filter

If you have a forced-air system, changing the furnace filter can save you some energy (up to 5 percent) and keep dust down in the house. The system will last longer and be less likely to break down. The most popular 16 X 20-inch duct filter costs around 50 cents when bought by the box. Change them monthly during heating season. Measure your air filter before shopping; they range in size from 12 X 12 inches to 30 X 30 inches. An alternative to swapping out the replacement filter is to use washable filters (around $20 each). With care, they can last five years. Cost: Under $15 per year

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