How to reduce heating costs this winter

With cooler temperatures coming on, my thoughts turned to the bill I would pay to heat my home. In Jamestown, this can be a big concern.

My family could just hope for a warmer winter to keep the costs down or we can hope for a lower cost of energy. But just hoping will not lower my bill. I feel that I should do something to reduce the heating costs and there are some things that are under my control.

* Check for drafts around doors and windows. How many you have may surprise you. You want to seal these air leaks. Calking works well around windows. While you are checking the windows you may notice that you can feel cold air off of the glass. If this is the case you may want to use energy-saving window treatments. Installing heat-shrink film over windows can reduce drafts and is fairly inexpensive. Consider installing new energy-efficient windows. Initially they are expensive but they do pay for themselves over time.

* How about turning down the thermostat a couple of degrees during the day? You may have to wear more clothing but your heating bill will be less. People can turn down the heat at night or when you plan to be out of the house for several hours. You do not want to turn off the heat; this can lead to some problems, especially if you do not return when you planned. If you are not using the heat it makes a lot of sense (and cents) to turn it down when you do not need it. Put another blanket or quilt on the bed to keep warm so you can turn the heat down while you sleep. Most people can sleep better in cooler air. How about installing and using a programmable thermostat? It will let you turn down the heat without having to remember to adjust the temperature setting.

* How well is your home insulated? Here at the Extension Office we have an infrared thermometer we can check out to people (with a deposit) so they can check the insulation in their walls and ceilings. These thermometers are a very effective tool. We can teach you how to use it when you check it out. This is the right time of the year to do this because it must be fairly cool outside in order to use it.

(Lance Brower is the community, leadership, and economic development extension agent, Stutsman County office, NDSU Extension Service. Contact him at 252-9030 or email lance.brower@ ndsu.edu.)

Tags: life, home