Tips To Decrease Utility Bills During The Winter

Let's face it, during the winter months, utility bills are higher; gas bills are higher because the lower temperatures outside force us to use more heat inside; in addition, electric bills are higher because we are inside more.

This winter, as well as future winters, use these cost-free ways to help decrease those high utility bills.

Free Money-Saving Changes

• close doors to unused room (registers can be closed as well)
• keep closets and cupboards closed (may not sound like much, but closets and cupboards are extra spaces to heat)
• turn down the thermostat 2 degrees every other day until you find the lowest temperature you can keep it at while still being comfortable
• turn thermostat down when you sleep
• turn heat down during the day if no one is home
• close drapes/shades at night
• open drapes/shades on sunny days
• change air filter in furnace monthly for maximum efficiency
• turn down thermostat if gone for vacation, holidays, etc...
• do not hold doors open for conversations outside
• keeps registers free from obstruction (clothes, rugs, shoes, etc...)
• close fire place damper when not in use
• one trick that always works is to wear heavier clothing while indoors

Beating the cold weather and balancing utility bills is something many of us do every year. By following these tips, as well as using some of your own, you will notice a decrease in your monthly heating bills this year as well as in the future.