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Five Easy Actions Steps To Cut Heating Bills
1. Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees.
For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you'll save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting. Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees or off at night or when leaving home for an extended time. For heat-pumps with electric backup, only turn the thermostat down 2 degrees to avoid overuse of the electric backup.
2. Replace or clean furnace filters as recommended.
Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Now is also the time for a furnace "tune-up." Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.
3. Reduce hot water temperature.
Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120-degrees Fahrenheit, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs.
4. Seal up the leaks.
Caulk leaks around windows and doors. Look for places where you have pipes, vents or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Check the bathroom, underneath the kitchen sink, pipes inside a closet, etc. If you find a gap at the point where the pipe or vents goes through the wall, seal it up with caulk or spray foam. 5.) Consider replacing your old gas appliances with an ENERGY STARŪ water heater or furnace.
Source: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/
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Energy Efficiency Can Be Cash Flow Positive
