Ten Ways to Help Keep Heating Costs Down this Winter
New Jersey home heating costs will rise this winter, with natural gas prices expected to increase by 16-25% and heating oil prices going up, as well. Here are ten things you can do to help keep energy costs down:
- Have a reputable HVAC service company evaluate your heating system to make sure your furnace or boiler is working properly. In many cases, efficiency problems can be corrected with a few inexpensive adjustments.
- Make sure you have good airflow around your home. This means changing filters and cleaning registers and grills.
- Check attic insulation to make sure it’s intact and in good condition. Replacing or adding more insulation could be well worth the investment.
- Install a whole-house humidifier. Humid air feels warmer than dry air, allowing you to stay comfortable while setting your thermostat a few degrees lower.
- Warm air rises and cold air sinks. Install paddle fans on high ceilings to direct warm air down into the living space. Otherwise, this heat is wasted.
- Set your thermostat to “on” even when heating (or cooling) isn’t necessarily needed. This ensures that air is continually circulated and keeps temperatures evened out throughout your home.
- Use a programmable thermostat to automatically reduce temperatures at night and when your home is unoccupied during the day.
- Open window treatments during the sunniest part of the day to take advantage of solar gain and add warmth to your home.
- Seal up all drafts in windows, doors, electric wall sockets, etc. There are many products on the market that DIYers can use to locate drafts, or have a professional come in and take care of it for you.
- Finally, there’s the old tried and true: layer up and put on some socks or slippers!
