Seven ways to use less energy/lower your heating bill

Seven Ways to Use Less Energy and Lower Your Heating   Costs

Cold weather is here and you’re probably wondering how to pay less for heating than you did last year. You could buy an energy audit for a detailed diagnosis of your home, or you could do a few things yourself that could lower energy costs significantly, say the experts at CNNMoney.com. ·         Check your heating and cooling ducts. If they leak, as much as 30 percent of your heat might be lost. You can cover accessible ducts with less than $100 worth of metal tape or mastic sealant. ·         If it’s time to replace your top-loading washer, a front-loader will cost more, but will use a third to a half of the water, and less energy and detergent. Go with cold or warm water to save money. ·         Change your furnace filters! And do it every few months. That will save you money on the system you have today. When the furnace needs replacing, consider an Energy-Star-certified model. It could cut power bills by more than $200 a year, says the Environmental Protection Agency. ·         Check the insulation in the attic. Floor insulation should stick up over the floor joists, says the EPA. If it’s below the joists, add more for energy saving. ·         Turn the water heater down to 120 degrees to save on energy use. Insulate the pipes and the heater itself with an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss. ·         Install a low-flow shower head and you’ll cut hot water use 25 percent. ·         Turning the thermostat down when you are asleep or gone can save up to $200 a year. But a programmable thermostat will turn the heat back on before you wake up or get home. You won’t have an icy cold house.