Tips For Keeping the Thermostat Down This Winter- By: Tara Smith

Description : Winter is just around the corner and many individuals are starting to think about those exorbitant heating bills that will soon be arriving in the mail. And with the economy so bad this year it will be even harder for many families to keep up with the rising costs associated with heating their home. There are a number of ways that you and your family can lower your heating costs though. Simple tricks and a few changes in your lifestyle can make all the difference and have you turning down your thermostat this winter and saving money on your heating costs. You can save a considerable amount of money just by being more conscientious and paying attention to how your house feels and how you feel. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your home comfortable this winter without having to have the heat cranked and without having to run up your heating bill.

Make sure that any cracks, including those around doors and windows, are sealed and weather proofed to keep out drafts and keep in the heat. Weather stripping can be purchased to go around windows for very little cost and it will work wonders for keeping the heat in and the cold out. Doors should have flaps on the bottom of them for the same purpose and are also very low cost. Drafts in homes are one of the biggest reasons for turning the thermostat up and are actually one of the easiest and cheapest things to fix.

Stock up on warm clothes to wear around the house and actually use them. Many people will automatically run to the thermostat when they feel a little chill and those variations in the heat all the time can significantly raise your heating bill. Rather than turn up the heat every time you re a little chilly go to your dresser and grab a sweater or sweatshirt or grab a throw blanket to cover up with. And make sure your family knows to do the same. You will be surprised at how much lower your heating bill is if you just leave it set at one temperature most of the time.

Utilize the heat generated from cooking. If you are baking something in the oven for dinner then open up the oven when your done and let the heat spread throughout the house and you will be surprised at how much it will take the chill out of the house. Considering we use the oven a lot more during the winter months this can be a great way to supplement your heat and you will not be spending any additional money.

Finally, plastic any windows and doors you will not be using. Not only may there be drafts that you will be covering up but cold air that comes off the glass itself will be blocked out as well making your house warmer than it would be otherwise.

Heating costs can add up to a lot in the winter but y making a few simple changes you can be spending less on your heating costs this year.

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