Heating Tips

Can't heat up any faster.  Your house won't warm up any faster if you raise the thermostat setting.  When your heating system is on it runs at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.

Keep doors closed.  Shut the door or at least try to minimize the number of times that doors to the outside are opened and closed.  Each time you open the door cold air enters the house.

Take advantage of the heat from the sun.  Open shades on the southern and eastern windows during the day.  Close these shades when the sun goes down to keep the heat from escaping.

Don't let heat go up the chimney.  Make sure the fireplace flue is closed when you are not using it.

Distribute the heat evenly.  Ceiling fans set at slow speed push warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room without creating a chilling breeze.  This spreads the heat more evenly and will make you feel more comfortable.

Turn off the pilot light.  If your heating system has a pilot light turn it off during the summer. A pilot light typically costs $3-$5 per month to keep lit so why not turn it off when you aren't using it.

Lower your thermostat.  Lowering the thermostat by as little as 1° F typically reduces your heating bill 1-3%.  Most energy experts recommend setting the thermostat to 68° F or less, and several degrees cooler overnight.  Make sure you lower your thermostat if you are leaving the house for any period of time; you use much less energy to heat the house up when you return than to keep it heated while you are away.

Use the sun's heat.  Open drapes and shades during the day to let in the heat from the sun.