6 Tips to Save Money this Winter

Bitter winter cold can make heating your home an expensive feat. But by taking a few simple, proactive steps, you can keep your house warm and the costs down!

Shave a few dollars off your winter utility bills with these tips:

• Cover air leaks. Check your doors, windows, fireplace dampers and mail slots for leaks that could let in cold air. Plug any leaks with plastic sheets, towels or caulk – whatever you have available.
  
  
• Clean your gutters. Make sure your gutters are clean before the first snowfall to prevent water seeping into your house and causing expensive damage. 
  
  
• Put your ceiling fan in reverse. During cold spells, warm air rises and settles by the ceiling. Set your fan to spin reverse and run it on its lowest setting to push that warm air back down and around your house.  
  
  
• Turn your thermostat down when you’re not at home. Turning your thermostat down a few degrees while you’re sleeping or out of the house is a great way to shave a few bucks off your energy bill.
  
  
• Let the sunlight in! Open the curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the warm sunlight in. At night, close the curtains to keep out the chill from cold windows.
  
  
• Give your heating system regular checkups. Every year before the winter season, make sure to get your heating system inspected or serviced, and replace filters as needed.
  
  If your heating system is more than 15 years old, it may also be time to consider a replacement, as newer systems are much more energy efficient.