Every year as the weather gets colder, I find that I become more vigilant in trying to use less energy and reduce my overall heating bill. Here are a few simple and inexpensive ways to save energy: Keep the house a degree cooler: Setting your thermostat just one degree cooler can reduce your fuel bill by as much as 3%. At my own home, we all wear sweaters and keep the thermostat around 64. Cut shower time: Although long, hot showers are tempting in the winter, cutting shower time in half and slightly lowering the temperature of the water can save up to 30% of water heating costs. Wrap the water heater: The location of your water heater can play a role in the amount of energy used to heat water. If your water heater is in a cold place like a basement or garage, wrap an insulation blanket around it to prevent heat loss. Use ventilation fans sparingly: Kitchen, bath or other ventilation fans should only be used when necessary. They pull the warm air out of the house, making your heating system work harder to maintain the set temperature. How to reduce your heating bill
- By Michael McCann
- Posted
Every year as the weather gets colder, I find that I become more vigilant in trying to use less energy and reduce my overall heating bill. Here are a few simple and inexpensive ways to save energy: Keep the house a degree cooler: Setting your thermostat just one degree cooler can reduce your fuel bill by as much as 3%. At my own home, we all wear sweaters and keep the thermostat around 64. Cut shower time: Although long, hot showers are tempting in the winter, cutting shower time in half and slightly lowering the temperature of the water can save up to 30% of water heating costs. Wrap the water heater: The location of your water heater can play a role in the amount of energy used to heat water. If your water heater is in a cold place like a basement or garage, wrap an insulation blanket around it to prevent heat loss. Use ventilation fans sparingly: Kitchen, bath or other ventilation fans should only be used when necessary. They pull the warm air out of the house, making your heating system work harder to maintain the set temperature. 
