Other Energy Resources Here are some tips to help save money on energy costs and furnace maintenance: Inspect furnace filters a least every month and clean or replace them as needed. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified heating contractor annually. Set your thermostat a degree or two lower. Every degree above 68 degrees F adds about 3 percent to your heating bill. Keep radiators, air registers and baseboard heaters clean and be sure they aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes. Place material that reflects, like aluminum foil, behind radiators with the shiny side toward the room, to send heat back into the room. Bleed radiators as necessary. It will keep the heating system working more efficiently. Install plastic deflectors on warm air registers that are located near windows. This will help direct warm air into the room. Use duct sealant or foil duct tape to seal air leaks in heating ducts that run through unheated areas of your home. Install pipe insulation on any water pipes to prevent freezing pipes. Be sure fireplace dampers are closed and in good working order when fireplace is not in use. Be sure that storm windows are completely closed during the heating season. Use your drapes and blinds to help keep in the heat. Open curtains and blinds on south facing windows during the day to let heat in and close them at night to reduce the chill from the windows. For more information on heating system maintenance and energy saving tips: Heating System Maintenance – https://extension2.missouri.edu/catalog/product/view/id/2226/ Furnace Maintenance – http://bit.ly/1hzcafJ Energy Savers: Furnaces and Boilers from the U.S. Department of Energy – http://www.energysavers.gov Carbon Monoxide Information – http://www.extension.umn.edu/ Fuel Oil Spills – http://www.extension.umn.edu Home Energy Guide – http://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/home-energy-guide.pdf Quick Links Support MVAC Programs Thrift Stores About Us Contact Programs Pregnant Women, Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Employment & Training Energy Housing Transportation Finances Inquiries Office Locations Request Help Careers CareerForce Main Office Visit. 706 North Victory Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 Call. 1.800.767.7139 Email. lynn@mnvac.org Employee Login Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Site Map © 2021 Minnesota Valley Action Council. All rights reserved.