7 Ways to Lower Heating Costs When You Don't Have Money to Burn

    DENVER, CO, October 16, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It's inevitable, your energy bill will increase during the winter months, but regardless of which energy source you use to heat your home, you can save money with these winterizing tips.

1. Just cool it - Is the setting on your water heater too high? If it's above 75 degrees, turn down the temperature setting. You can typically save 10 dollars for every five degree drop you make.

2. Stash and save - Buy furnace filters in bulk and make sure you have a stash of the correct size of pleated filters on hand to change them during the winter. Put in a fresh filter now to start the season off right.

3. Moisture matters - Dry air produced by furnaces and fireplaces can cause unexpected cracks in window seals and doors which lets cold air in and increases your heating costs. Using a humidifier will produce necessary moisture in the air which naturally raises the temperature without turning up the thermostat. Clean the filter after three months so it runs efficiently.

4. Be a wind blocker - Inspect the siding around your house to see if any wood has dried out and left cracks where cold wind can blow through. Seal all cracks with the proper caulk to block the wind from letting the outdoors in.

5. Check windows and doors - Don't forget to apply the same caulk treatment to interior windows, door seals and any part of the house that has access to the outside. When you caulk around windows and doors you not only prevent noticeable cold air infiltration but you will see a drop in your monthly fuel bill too.

6. Toss if tattered - You might not even notice your plastic door sweeps, but if they are not in good shape they can't keep your house warm. Toss them in the trash if they are tattered and buy a new set for less than 20 dollars to combat the cold and keep it outside where it belongs.

7. Pay a professional - Have a heating professional perform a combustion analysis on your furnace to maximize its efficiency. They should reset the gas pressure and optimize the fuel-to-air ratio to ensure it's working at peak levels. This valuable service can pay for itself in just three months of normal furnace usage in the colder months of the year.

"Staying warm this winter doesn't have to cost you lots of cold hard cash or tons of time. Actually in just under 3 hours you can change filters, check gauges and prevent the typical cold air filtration issues in your home that increase your energy bill," says Master Plumber, Tom D'Agostino of Cardom Plumbing and Heating of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Thomas D'Agostino earned his Master Plumber certification in 1979, has operated a complete plumbing and heating service shop since 1986, and for the last 26 years has worked under his Colorado Master Plumber license where he provides consultation and leadership to every aspect of Plumbing, HVAC and Mechanical piping projects.

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