Practical Ways to Reduce Heating Bills - Small Sacrifices That Work

We often overlook ways to save on heating bills and instead live in dread throughout the winter awaiting the mail that shows us what we owe. Let's review some tips to reduce those heating bills and still stay comfortable in your home.

First of all, how old is your heating system? I know I moved into my condo that had been owned by one owner. The heating system was ancient and my bills were out of this world. The system was not efficient. I could practically hear all the parts moving as the heat was circulating.

Though it may seem like a pain, put some time into looking at the doors and windows to see what type of drafts you are getting. Sealing up these energy eaters is a nice way to save and you'll even stay warmer. Sometimes you can actually feel the draft in certain rooms which really cuts into the whole experience anyway.

Check to see if you may have a bookcase or piece of furniture up against a vent. Let the vent be able to release and circulate the heat so it will be distributed throughout the room. You can position the furniture elsewhere in room. It is a moment of inconvenience to find a few people to move the couch or the bookcase, but it can make a difference.

Get a cute little space heater if you live alone and stay in one room for a long time. My friend saved money by heating last winter this way but he is a minimalist so it would need to work with your lifestyle. If you are someone that hates to step into a cold room and wanders a lot around your place, then this won't work for you.

Do you spend a long time shaving your legs in the shower on hot? Try to cut back both on the time and temperature. This can add up , especially if there are several females in the home!

How clean is your furnace filter? Look at it and change it if necessary. This is a nice money saver. Clean out filters generally whether it's for the dryer , automobile or other items with motors in your environment.

When you are at work, lower the home heat. When you return home, put on a thick sweater and make the home a degree or two less than you were in the habit of doing. If you save your exercise time for the evening, you'll be able to get your body warmer naturally through aerobic exercise or eastern forms of exercise that involve deep breathing.

Try a few of these tips and save money on those heating bills which you can use instead for movies and eating meals out on the weekends.

Dee Cohen is a licensed social worker at Save on Heating Bills where you can visit and learn more about heating reduction tips at http://www.heating-help.com