Winter is the coldest season of the year. It is the season when you have to put on your woolen coats, socks to keep yourself warm. It is also the season where your furnace becomes indispensible, and of course, your energy bill sky-rocket from the heating bills.

The following tips will help you to save energy and maintaining your budget in winter season:

·         For every degree you lower the thermostat you save about 2 percent off your heating bill. So make sure to use it properly.

·         When you are at home set your thermostat not higher than 68 degrees and lower the temperature when you go to bed or when you are not at home. This helps to save energy.

·         You can cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent a year by turning back your thermostat 10 to 15 percent for eight hours a day.

·         Keep the curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to keep the heat inside your house.

·         Reduce the temperature of hot water by turning the water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save money on your electric bill.

·         Clean furnace filters regularly and do not forget to replace filters at monthly interval.

·         Check the doors and windows for cracks and leakage.

·         Check the water pipes for leakage.

·         Make sure that your electric power connection is working properly; otherwise it would affect your electricity bill.

·         Clean the room heaters regularly to get the optimum performance.

·         Place water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.

·         Put a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

·         You must close the fireplace damper when not using it.

·         Increase the insulation of your ceiling.

·         Do not put any furniture or item in front of the heating vent. This will block the vent making it to work slower than usual. This will enhance your electric bill.

·         It is a good idea to activate your computer’s power management features, so that it can power down when sitting idle.

·         If you want to buy a new appliance or replace your old gas appliances to a heater or furnace, make sure that your desired product contains the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR® labeled devices reduces your energy cost than that of others.

·         Put on a sweater before turning the room heater.

·         Most of the heat generated by the furnace often escapes into the attic or basement before it reaches its intended destination because of cracks or holes in the air ducts. As a result, the furnace works longer to keep the rest of the house warm. So make sure your ducts are free from any leaks or cracks.

Source: http://comfortablehome.ca/2010/06/22/winter-energy-saving-tips/