Home Heating Costs

Thankfully, home heating costs don't appear to be heading for the increases that were predicted a few months ago. It was estimated that natural gas prices would increase by 17% this winter, while oil prices rise by 36%.

Neither increase seems likely. However, we have all been given incentive to focus on ways to keep these costs down. The costs will certainly go back up again.

Other than wearing sweaters and thermal underwear, what can we do about it?

* One thing we can all do is seal any leaks and make your home draft-free.

* Properly maintain your heating system. Change the filters every 3 months. Clean filters prevent dirt from building up in the system, which can lead to expensive repairs, and makes your system work harder to keep you warm.

* Lower the thermostat to 69 or 70 degrees. Even 1 degree will make a difference.

* Call you local utility company and get a home energy audit. They will make a few suggestions you probably will not think of on your own. A second opinion can't hurt.

* Check windows, doors and fireplaces for air leaks. Use weatherstripping where it's missing, and think about replacing single pane windows with double pane.

* If window and door casings are allowing air to get in, caulk the seam along the walls.

* Your heating ducts might be wasting energy if they're not insulated. Same goes for your hot water pipes, and your hot water heater. These should all be wrapped to keep the heat from being lost in your basement.

* Obviously, if your house is under insulated, you have to add more. This is probably the biggest reason for heat loss. Click this link for an in depth discussion about insulation in the home.

Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to between 110 and 120 degrees. Using a humidifier will make the air feel warmer, and it will diminish those annoying static electricity shocks that come from the air being too dry.

The National Energy Assistance Director's Association recently reported that more the 15 million households in the United States are facing utility shutoffs because they can't pay for their home heating costs. Thankfully, there are a few public programs that can help low-income families and the elderly.

They include:

Citizens Energy (provides low-cost energy assistance to low-income people);

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (federally funded program that provides money to states for helping low-income households the disabled, and the elderly); and

The National Association for State Community Services Programs (which provides information about community service programs for each state).

If you have a question, contact me about home heating costs by clicking here.

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