Reduce Heating Bills -- Save Energy

Cooler days are approaching, as well as the dreaded heating season when we watch our energy bills skyrocket. Doing simple maintenance tips around your home, can not only conserve energy for the greater good, but also can cut your home heating costs.

Remember to clean and replace your furnace filter. Even if you haven't kicked on the furnace yet, it's a great time to get geared up for heating season. Having a clean air filter allows proper airflow for a more efficient running furnace. Do it now, and you won't have to worry about it when the first cold night hits and you want to turn on the heat!

Install a programmable thermostat. It's easier to do it now rather then when your furnace is running on it's full time, winter season. You can program the heat to kick on at a higher temperature when you're at home, and be down when the house is empty. Imagine the savings!

Install an insulation blanket around your water heater. Don't cover the top or bottom, and use caution and do it correctly using blankets specifically designed for your water heater. Hot water is one of the biggest energy wasters in a home, and this will help reduce your costs by keeping your hot water hot. Cool air can hit the tank, causing your water tank to work overtime to continuously heat water.

Check around your dryer vent. Another easy, and often unnoticed, cold air entrance. Also cover up your air conditioner.

These steps might seem overly simple but they can make a big difference in your energy costs, as well as helping conserve the earth overall. With oil and gas prices rising in leaps and bounds, every small thing you do can help!