Looking for a way to keep your home warmer this winter? Worried about heating costs? There are a lot of things that you can do yourself to save money when the cold weather hits!

• Have your heating system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep your unit running efficiently. Also, check your heating system’s ductwork to ensure that it is well insulated.
• Make sure heating registers and vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, rugs, or clothing. These vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
• Install weather stripping and caulk to seal up cracks and leaks in your home, especially near windows and doors.
• For every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, you save between 3-5% on your heating bill. On average, you should set and keep the thermostat on a gas or electric heater at 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 degrees at night or when it’s unoccupied.
• A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your heat so you don’t have to remember to change it, and can save you up to $100 a year.
• Take advantage of the sun’s energy and warmth by removing window screens during the winter.
• Don’t close doors or shut off registers in rooms. This puts added strain on your central heating system.
• If you notice little or no air coming from some registers – or that some rooms are colder than others – this could indicate a problem with the ducts.
• Open drapes and shades on sunny days to let in the sun’s heat. Close them at night and on cloudy days.
• Place a small thermometer on the wall next to your thermostat and compare readings. If there’s any difference between the readings, adjust your thermostat.
• Close outside doors as quickly as possible. Just a few seconds with the door open lets in a lot of cold air
• Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls
• Wash only full loads of clothes
• Turn off lights in rooms you are not using