Save Money on Your Energy Bill

With the price of crude oil down under $80 per barrel again and gas prices down at the pumps, doesn't it would seem "natural" that home energy prices will also go down?

Unfortunately, the price adjustment doesn't happen just as fast as we see it at the pumps, and most companies just approved a price increase in July or August.

Here are some tips you can do to keep your energy costs under control this winter:

• Get a programmable thermostat. As a bonus - there are government rebates for doing so!


• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees F when you're home and 65 degrees during the day or when you're away. Turn it down even lower if you're going away for extended periods of time, but never lower than 55 degrees.


• Clean or replace your furnace filter every three months


• Keep drapes open during the day (to let in the sun's heat) and closed at night to prevent warm air from escaping


• Seal drafty windows or doors with weatherstripping or caulking and put plastic over basement windows that may leak air.


• Temporary weatherstripping comes in a tube like caulking, and it can be used to physically seal a leaking window closed. Peel it off in the fall with no mess!


• Close off and avoid using areas of the house that are not insulated, if possible.


• Splurge on cute slippers, cozy sweaters and throws to keep warm while keeping the heat down!