Warm Welcome

In many parts of the country, temperatures are dropping — and heating bills are rising. But there are things you can do to keep warm and lower your heating costs. Consider these tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

• Take advantage of heat from the sun. During the day, open curtains on windows with southern exposure toallow sunlight to naturally heat your home.


• Cover drafty windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly.


• Adjust the temperature. When you’re home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable; when you’re asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours.


• Find and seal leaks. Seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.


• Reduce heat loss from the fireplace. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. When you use the fireplace, open dampers in the bottom of the firebox or the nearest window slightly (approximately 1 inch) and close doors leading into the room.


• Lower water heating costs. Water heating can account for 14 percent to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).

Source: http://www.energysavers.gov/