10 Ways to Cut Winter Heating Use

Be warm, stay safe, and keep your heating costs under control. Here are 10 things that you can do to prepare your home for winter weather:

1. Install a new energy-efficient heating system.
   For natural gas heated homes, today's high-efficiency furnaces save $70-120 annually when they replace a 15-year or older furnace with a standing pilot. For electric heated homes, replacing an electric strip heating furnace with a new ENERGY STAR^® heat pump can save up to 40% on your winter heating bill.
   Use the heating system energy saving calculator >>
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2. Tune up your heating system.
   Have your heating system tuned and a safety inspection performed by professional HVAC service company. Heat loss from a poorly maintained system can increase your heating bill over time—sometimes 1-2% each year.
   
   
3. Install additional attic insulation.
   We recommend 10-12 inches of insulation in the attic. Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective measures you can do. The average 15-year old home needs 5-10 additional inches of insulation.
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4. Seal and repair duct leaks.
   Leaky ducts in the average home allow 25-30% of heating to escape. A duct system diagnostic inspection and testing can show you areas of needed repair. Call (512) 974-7827 or sign-up now for your duct system diagnostic inspection and test.
   
   
5. Conserve with a programmable thermostat.
   It will automatically adjust the temperature while you're asleep or away, saving you money. You can save as much as 20% on your heating bill.
   Get a free, ENERGY STAR^® programmable thermostat
   Call (877) 549-2774 or sign-up now >>
   
   
6. Lower your thermostat.
   Set your thermostat at 68 degrees. Each degree higher will use 3% more energy. Lower your thermostat when leaving home- you'll use much less energy to heat the house up when you return.
   Use the thermostat energy savings calculator >>
   
   
7. Insulate electric water heaters and exposed hot water pipes.
   Uninsulated water heaters and hot water pipes waste energy. Adding insulation is inexpensive and easy to do.
   
   
8. Let the sun shine in.
   Open curtains and shades on eastern and southern windows during the day; close them in the evening to keep heat from escaping.
   
   
9. Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors.
   This simple and inexpensive improvement helps prevent drafts.
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10. Don't let heat go up the chimney.
    Make sure the fireplace flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use.