Install a programmable thermostat to control heating costs conveniently and effectively without sacrificing comfort. Lower the temperature setting at night and when you are away from home.
Insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Install a fiberglass insulation jacket around your water heater if it is located in a cold location. Be sure not to cover air inlets, valves, faucets, controls, or pipes at the bottom or the top near the exhaust vent.
Inspect your furnace filter frequently and replace or clean it as needed. A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home.
Replace leaky washers in water faucets. Operate dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers with full loads.
Open shades, draperies, blinds, curtains, or shutters on windows on sunny days during cold weather. Be sure to close them to slow the loss of heat through glass.
Avoid blocking heating registers and air returns with furniture or curtains.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Insulate ceilings, floors, outside walls. Make sure closet and cabinets on outside walls have snug fitting doors.
Make sure the mountings for ceiling fans are snug and tight. Use clear caulk to seal any leaks.
Apply weather stripping and caulk on doors, windows, and attic hatches. Install storm windows and practical.
Use kitchen and bath ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of warm air.
Add a humidifier to the furnace or as a separate unit. Moist air feels warmer.
