Here are some energy efficiency initiatives you can take to manage your heating expenses. You will not only save money, but you will help the environment.
1. Change your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use 65 percent less energy than regular ones. They cost about 30 percent more but last up to 10 times longer.
2. Use an electric blanket and turn down your thermostat at night. Install an automatic or programmable "set back" thermostat for nights or during the day when no one is home.
3. Add more insulation. A typical home can lose as much as one-third of its heat through poorly insulated roof or walls. Use materials with a high efficiency rating number.
4. Caulk or weather strip windows or doors. Drafts can occur wherever two different building materials or parts of a building meet. A typical home can lose as much as one-third of its heat through drafts.
5. Investigate the advantage of installing a ground source heat pump, which is 300 percent energy efficient. Call your local energy advisor for more details about using the earth's energy in your home as a heating/cooling source.
6. Turn off your computer and home entertainment equipment. If you're not going to use them for awhile, save some energy and shut down or unplug. Turn off unnecessary lights and televisions in rooms that are unoccupied.
7. Watch what you purchase and look for the Energy Star rating on all new appliances. Think about purchasing Energy Star gifts when it comes to electronics.
8. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Or, at least always rinse in cold water.
9. Clean your dryer lint filter. Also, having the exhaust duct cleaned annually will help save energy and reduce a fire hazard.
10. Keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Taking control of your electricity usage can provide your budget with long term energy savings.