A new government report has predicted large spikes in heating bills this winter. This is mostly due to continuingly high oil prices, as well as the lingering affects of the recent hurricanes Katrina and Rita on energy production.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that the average heating bill will cost one-third more this winter, for typical winter weather. A colder winter may boost bills almost 50%.
As temperatures drop, use these helpful hints to save and stay warm:
- Take advantage of heat from activities you already do, recommends TipKing.com, a Web site that offers household money-saving tips. Cook at home to generate warmth. When you shower, leave the bathroom door open to spread heated steam throughout your home.
- Cut your time in the shower in half and wash your clothes in cold water.
- Always wear socks or slippers at home because your feet are sensitive to cold. If you get cold, put on a sweater or wrap yourself in a blanket before deciding to turn up the thermostat.
- If you own a waterbed, make your bed each morning, advises the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Covers keep heat in the bed, so you can lower the setting and use less energy.
- Keep your thermostat a few degrees lower than usual. You won't notice much change in your home's temperature, but you'll save on heating costs.
- If your home has a multiple zone heating system, consider lowering the temperature in the zones you are not using, say the bedrooms during the day.
- Lower the thermostat when you leave for work, or whenever you won't be home for a long period. But be sure to keep it high enough to prevent pipes from freezing. New-model programmable thermostats can do the job automatically, and pay for themselves quickly..
- Minimize your use of ventilation fans, including those in your bathroom and kitchen. They pull hot air out of a room quickly.
- Cover windows at night. Lowering the blinds or closing the shades keeps out cold air. The heavier the window covering, the better. Remember to uncover the windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home.
TipKing.com - http://articles.tips.net/Tips_for_cutting_home_heating_bills.shtml
Programable Thermostats - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/thermo/thermo.htm
http://www.powerhousetv.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/phtv_yh_di_000438.hcsp
News Links:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/12/AR2005101202199.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/15/business/15energy.html
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-winterheat1012.artoct12,0,1523617.story
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