• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower when you a r e home, and 55 degrees at night or when you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. You can save up to 5% off of your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. • Install an Energy Star® programmable thermostat and follow the setting guidelines at www.energystar.gov. This could help you save about $180 a year on your heating bill. • Schedule a yearly inspection of your heating system to make sure that it is working properly. Replace your furnace filters monthly to help your heating system run at its most efficient level. • Make sure that furniture and draperies are moved away from radiators and heating vents in order to promote maximum air flow from your furnace. • Open your blinds and curtains on south facing windows uring the day to maximize the warming power of the sun, and close them at night to help keep the warmth in and drafts out! • Lock your windows, which is not only a safety measure, but will help eliminate air leaks. • Use old towels and blankets at the base of your doors and on window sills to help block drafts and prevent warm air from escaping. • Close the damper in your fireplace when not in use. This will help eliminate air from escaping up your chimney. If you do not use your fireplace often, look into a chimney balloon which is inserted in your fireplace to eliminate drafts. • If you have seasonal home or leave for an extended period of time, make sure that the fan function on your thermostat is turned to the “AUTO” setting before leaving town. This could save up to $60 on your heating and electric bills. • Eliminate air leaks and cut your heating bill up to 10% by having a free home energy assessment! Stay Warm and Save on your Winter Heating Costs! Homes Magazine of Knox County 15
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