The Nest Learning Thermostat represents the latest and greatest in programmable thermostat technology, but you don't need to shell out $249 to benefit from one of these gadgets. Check out this video explaining how to install weather strips.Ī programmable thermostat allows you to keep the house cooler when it's empty and automatically turn up the heat before you arrive at home or get up in the morning. To find air leaks, place a light candle in front of possible drafts, have someone blow through the crack from the other side, and watch to see if the flame wavers.ĭraft snakes are fine for cracks at the bottom of doors, but we often lose heat at the sides and top of doors and windows. You can use an old towel or make your own easily out of a leg of pantyhose stuffed with rice or sawdust and tied at both ends. The simplest remedy is to place draft dodgers or snakes at leaking doors. Department of Energy, you can waste 5 percent to 30 percent of your energy use to heat the great outdoors through drafts. Better yet, switch to a permanent filter you can clean regularly.Īccording to the U.S. Many of us think of changing our furnace filters just once or twice a year, yet experts say we should replace them every month during the heating season. If you can't find an applicable program, you can reduce the cost of supplies by finding coupons for major home improvement centers, hardware stores, big-box stores and more at such sites as CouponSherpa. Look for such offers at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. Some states offer improvement incentives, including providing and installing a free programmable thermostat paying a portion of insulation upgrades or providing rebates on the cost of materials. If you such audits aren't available, there are still ways to ascertain problems for yourself and small projects you can accomplish without professional help. Ask if your utility company provides a free or low-cost energy audit, which will identify changes you should make.

The first step is to assess any problem areas. Here are some thoughts on how you could lower your heating bill without freezing your way through the winter. According to CNN Money, the average bill for a home using heating oil is more than $320 per month while gas users fork over $160 monthly. Alas, keeping warm comes with a higher sticker price each year, no matter what type of heating system you use.

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