This winter the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting “‘clime and punishment,’ a season of unusually cold and stormy weather.”  And other than feeling the cold in my bones already, the first thing that I think of is what my utility bills are going to be. To help lower these bills I’ve created a list of simple home improvements to help you save on heating costs.

1. Install a programmable digital thermometer: Per the U.S. Derpartment of Energy,  you can save up to 10% per year on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. As it is often hard to keep this as part of you daily routine, a programmable digital thermometer can do this for you.
2. Change your air filters: Dirty air filters can block the flow of heat to your home and decrease a furnace’s efficiency thus raising your heating bills. Also, in the long run dirty air filters can decrease the life of your furnace.  It’s a good idea to keep these clean.
3. Ceiling Fans: As mentioned in Blissfully Domestic’s “Fall Maintenance Checklist for Home Care” you should turn your fans to clockwise. This pushes the hot air down and makes the work that your furnace is doing more efficient.
4. Install Weather Stripping and/or caulk: Finding the places where your warm air is leaking out of your home and sealing them up with weather stripping or caulk is another great way to save money on your home heating bills. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, doors and window frames, electrical and gas service entrances, and cable TV and phone lines, are some of the most common areas where these leaks can occur. Check out “Weatherize Your Home: Caulk and Weather Strip” for a break down concerning finding your heating leaks and how to install weather stripping and/or caulk to improve your home heating costs.
   
5. Close the fireplace damper when you are not using your fireplace to prevent heat from escaping via the chimney.
6. Let mother nature heat your home. On sunny days open your blinds and curtains letting the sun do its work, closing them again at night to keep the heat in.
7. “Wear a sweater!” My mom used to say this to me all of the time when I’d complain about being cold during the winter, and it makes sense. Try letting your clothes heat you up instead of putting that furnace of yours on high.
8. Take advantage of Tax Credits: Many ways to improve upon your heating costs include getting a new furnace, installing better insulation, new windows, new doors, etc. Did you know that the Department of the Treasury is offering tax credits to home owners who are making such improvements? Check out the rules and regulations of these tax credits and enjoy you large “rebate” from the government.

Photo Credit: Anathea