Home Heating Bill Sticker Shock Can Be Avoided

Winter is here to avoid “sticker shocker” when your home energy bill arrive do these money saving tips.

• Check insulation in your attic basement walls, ceiling, floors, and crawl space.  Add it if it is not there it can save up to 30 percent  on home’s heating bill.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorscent bulbs.  The new bulbs do cost more, but they last longer and reduce lighting cost by up to 75 percent.  If financing this upgrade is an issue do a couple bulbs at a time.  Change the bulbs in the most used areas of the home first ie bathroom, kitchen, etc.
• Seal air leaks by weather strip cracks, and openings around plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, etc.  This little tip can save up to 10 percent on your heating bill.
• Plant shade trees near your home.  Be cautious of planting trees in the path of sewer or plumbing lines because the root system can cause plumbing issues later.  Trees are inexpensive and can save up to 25 percent on your heating bill.
• Check and change filters when necessary on your furnace.  If you need to purchase a new furnace do so, in the summber to get a better rate and look for fuel utilization rating of 78 percent.