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[/frame]It pays to dress in layers and add a blanket to your bed. For every two degrees that you lower your thermostat during the winter, you save approximately 10 percent on your heating bill.
- Set and keep the thermostat on your heater at 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 degrees at night or when it’s unoccupied.
- If you have a heat pump, set the lower temperature at 63 degrees. That’s because heat pumps are designed to maintain temperatures within a narrower range.
- A clock-thermostat can be pre-programmed so you don’t have to remember to change the setting on your heater. You can even set it to pre-heat your home before you get up in the morning or before you get home in the evening.
- Don’t close doors or shut off registers in rooms. That just puts added strain on the central system.
- If you notice little or no air coming from some registers – or if some rooms are colder than others – this could mean your ductwork leaks. It’s estimated that about 20 percent of Sacramento homes have substantial duct leaks.
- If you suspect duct leaks, have a licensed HVAC contractor check your entire system.
- Open drapes and shades on sunny days to let in the sun’s heat. Close them at night and on cloudy days.
- Close the damper and cover your fireplace when not in use. Be sure that any fire has been completely extinguished.
- Get your heating system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep the unit running efficiently.