How to Save Money on Heating a Home

It seems that these days everyone is looking for more ways to save a buck or two. As the weather becomes cooler, you might begin to worry about the rising cost of heating your home. You don't have to freeze your family out in order to lower that bill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Apply weather-stripping to windows and doors to keep cold air out and warm air in. Weather-stripping can save up to 15 percent on your heating bill. Cover windows with heat-shrink plastic film and save even more.
2. Open the oven door after you have been baking. Even though the stove is turned off, there will still be heat coming from it, and it will move through the room, giving your heater a little bit of a break.
3. Dress warmer. You may have been told this by your mom, and guess what? She was right again! Rather than crank up the furnace, put on some more clothes. Now this doesn't mean you should wear your jacket in the house. But try sleeping with socks on, or pull on a sweater if it's a little chilly.
4. Use your fireplace. If you are fortunate enough to live in a home with a working, wood-burning fireplace or stove, look for some affordable firewood and warm up around its glow. Bonus: It is cozy and romantic.
5. Install a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to use less heat during the day when nobody is home or at night when you are sleeping snugly under thick covers. You can save up to 15 percent on your heating bill using a programmable thermostat, so it will pay for itself in no time.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a carbon monoxide detector and install it. It could save your loved ones lives.