If November and December are any indication of the temperatures we can expect this winter, we need to be prepared for higher than normal heating bills. Wake Electric Membership Corporation offers these tips to help save on heating costs this winter. Frigid temperatures are usually enough to teach most people that their homes don t stay warm and cozy during a cold snap. But, you don t have to let the cold or high heating bills snow you under when the mercury drops.
Most people can plug air leaks and seal windows themselves at little cost.
But, it pays to get professional help in some cases, such as adding insulation to the exterior walls and heating ducts. If you have an electric furnace instead of a heat pump, turn down the thermostat to 55 degrees at night or while you re away from home. If you wear sweaters and heavy fabrics indoors, you won t notice the air is cooler when the thermostat is lowered. Give heating systems a chance to work efficiently. Don t let draperies and furniture block heating registers or vents.