ORLANDO, FL (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Inflation, food costs, colder temps. — according to the Department of Energy, these are some of the reasons one in six households are behind on their utility bills. But there are ways to getting around the sticker shock that comes in the winter months. Heating bills
When the weather turns cold and the temperature takes a nosedive, most of us turn up the heat. But for every degree you turn the thermostat up, it will increase your heating bill by three percent. But there are some simple ways to cut costs.
First, try lowering your thermostat by 10 degrees during the day while you’re at work. You can save up to 10 percent on your energy bill. Some other steps to take, have your heating system professionally serviced. The Department of Energy says a well-maintained heat pump uses up to 25 percent less fuel than a neglected one.
Clean and change your air filters—on average, a dirty air filter will cost you about 80 bucks a year. Also, have someone look at your duct work. As much as 30 percent of heat is lost to leaks here.
Sealing drafts is another crucial step. Check windows and doors for air leaks and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps. The department of energy says this can save an average of 15 percent on heating costs.
Also, although it’s cozy at night, don’t forget to close your fireplace flue when you’re not using it. Experts say you can lose up to 20 percent of the heat from your home through your chimney. With some smart ways to save on your heating bill this winter.
A couple more tips, consider investing in thermal curtains or blinds. These specially designed window treatments can help insulate your home and cost only about 20 dollars. If this isn’t enough, see if your provider offers budget billing. They’ll look at your past usage and estimate an average cost for you to pay each month, so you don’t get sticker shock during those extremely cold and hot months.
Sources:
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/how-to-lower-heating-bill
Contributors to this news report include: Adahlia Thomas, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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