10 Ways to reduce your heating costs this winter

1. Eliminate drafts around windows and doors. According to the Energy Department, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Use caulk or weather stripping wherever possible and look around the house for drafts (using a candle to indicate air flow near windows and door jambs).
2. Change filters or consider using a permanent filter. Disposable fiberglass filters trap 10% to 40% of debris while electrostatic filters trap around 88%, and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illnesses, allergies and irritation.
3. Turn down your water heater. Most conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees or lower can reduce your water-heating costs by 6% to 10%.
4. Buy a timer for your thermostat or “smart” thermostat ($50-$100) which can be set to change the temperature for you when you know you won’t be at home, etc.
5. Buy low-flow shower heads and/or more water efficient faucets throughout your home.
6. Insulate wherever possible. Under doors and over windows (affordable, disposable plastic window coverings are available at most hardware stores and once applied, are virtually invisible). This includes your pipes and water heater (insulate “jackets” for your water heater are available for $25-$75 and are especially helpful if your water heater is in a garage or unheated area).
7. Use drapes and curtains wisely. During the day, leave them open to allow warm sunlight in and close them at night to insulate.
8. Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air downward.
9. Maintain your furnace. Oil-fired boilers should be cleaned and tuned annually, and gas systems, every two years ($100-$125). By maintaining your heating unit, you can save between 3% and 10% on heating bills, says ACEEE.
10. Research breaks. Many utilities offer discounts or rebates on energy-saving products. Call and ask. Loans are also sometimes available from the Government for major improvements that will incorporate energy-efficient products in your home. And save those receipts because anything you do to be more efficient may be considered a tax write-off.

This guest post is by Chris Faulkner, CEO of Breitling Oil and Gas.