How to Stay Warm and Save Money

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By americanguru
User-Submitted Article

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Save Money on Utilities

When cooler weather arrives, most people are tempted to turn up the heat to stay warm. However, with energy costs rising around the country, taking some cost saving measures can have a big impact on your wallet. Making sure your home is properly winterized will reduce warm air from escaping your home. Provided below are some winter tips to help you stay warm in an energy efficient manner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Blankets
Caulk
Programmable thermostat (optional)

Step 1

During the winter, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. Every degree above 68 adds 4% to your utility bill.
Step 2

Dress in layers or warm clothes, including socks when around the house to retain body heat.
Step 3

At bedtime, lower the temperature of your thermostat and add extra blankets to your bed.
Step 4

When you are away from your home for more than 4 hours, lower your thermostat. For best results install a programmable thermostat.
Step 5

Make sure vents are open in the rooms you use and close vents and doors to unused rooms.
Step 6

Central heating air filters should be changed every 30 - 90 days to keep your furnace operating efficiently.
Step 7

Adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or "warm". Each 10 degree deduction can save you up to 5% on your utility bill.
Step 8

Purchase and install a water heater blanket to insulate your water heater.
Step 9

Consider purchasing Energy Star products, they use 15% to 75% less energy to operate.
Step 10

Caulk cracks and gaps around windows or doors to keep cold air out and warm air in.
Step 11

If you can see light around a closed exterior door, install a threshold and weather-stripping to keep cold air out.