It's no secret that the stock market and government bailouts are top news stories. The housing market is a mess, just read my latest posts of "The Home-Improvement News". Have you even looked at the price of home heating oil lately?
Unfortunately, fall is here once again and it's time for everyone to figure out just how they are going to afford the high cost of fuel this winter. If you don't like paying for gas at the gas pump, you had better sit down before you take a look at your home heating bill.
Needless to say, heat is expensive and it doesn't matter if you're using natural gas, oil, electric or propane, it is still very expensive. Fuel oil is the highest priced way to heat your home, but the other options are not cheap either.
So to ease the burden we have compiled for you a list of several things that you can do to help keep the cost under control. Listen, you have a choice, come spring you can either be in over your head or laughing all the way to the bank - the choice is yours. Here's the list,
1. Keep your furnace in good running condition: Newer heating systems are built to be much more energy efficient than older ones and you can save up to one third on the price of heat by installing a new one. If you don't want to replace your furnace or simply can't afford to right now, at least make sure that it is firing on all cylinders by having it cleaned and serviced, doing so will make it much more efficient. You can also check into a service agreement from your fuel provider to keep your equipment in good shape.
2. Seal any cracks or gaps: Check for any drafts that might be in your home. Use caulking and expanding foam to save up to fifteen percent on the cost of heat this winter.
3. Install a self programmable thermostat: This way you can lower the temperature when you are away from home or asleep. By having a self programmable thermostat you will not have to remember to set it yourself. This will save you money also.
4. Make sure windows and doors are sealed well: You can lose as much as twenty percent of your heat through old windows and doors. Storm windows or insulation kits which you can purchase at your local home center will help reduce heat loss.
And don't forget to make sure that your door's weather stripping is also in good shape. And, are your floor sweeps worn and letting in air? If so, replace them. Remember to seal up any cracks or spaces around the windows and doors as well.
5. Use ceiling fans: Ceiling fans help to circulate the air in your home, but did you know that they can also be used to blow hot air down from the ceiling in the winter? Most ceiling fans even have a switch that will reverse the direction the blades spin to help in moving the warm air downwards.
6. Change filters: If you have a forced hot air system, always make sure that you have clean filters.
7. Insulate, insulate, insulate: Install quality insulation in the walls and ceiling with a high "R" rating. It may be expensive but the savings on energy will more than pay for itself in the years to come. You can lose up to twenty percent of your home's heat through poor insulation.
It's no secret that the cost of energy will probably go through the roof again this winter. Don't wait to jump on the band wagon, make sure that you are well prepared.
Scott Becker has been a handyman since 1993 and has been involved with a vast array of home repair and improvement projects. For more articles like this and lots of other free information you can visit his blog at http://youronlinehandyman.com.
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