BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Although it's felt like winter for a while, this week brings in the official start so we're partnering with the pros to help you save money while the temperatures are low.
It's no secret that your fuel bill usually goes up a few dollars during the winter months, so National Fuel is offering both small ways to save money now and bigger ways to save in the long run. The company will offer rebates on certain appliances, anywhere from $50 to $600 for home owners and up to thousands for business owners! You can learn more about the rebates here.
In addition to saving money, using less fuel is better for the environment, making cleaner air for everyone! Use these tips to pad your wallet and keep your home warm this winter!
- Choose high-efficiency products for your home or business. It may be more expensive at first, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Set your thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and at 58 degrees when you're away from home for more than a few hours. By turning your thermostat down 10-15 degrees for eight straight hours, you can save anywhere from 5 to 15 percent on your heating bill!
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. They use less energy if they can "breathe" easier
- Close vents and doors in unused rooms
- Check your ceiling fans. In the winter, they should run in a clockwise rotation to push warm air back down to your living space
- Move anything that's blocking an air vent, allowing warm air to enter the room
- Use heat and air deflectors on your vents, directing warm air down for better heating
- Outlet boxes can be a source of heat loss, use socket sealers
- Insulate your doors and windows using foam sealant
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees or the medium setting. Drain a quart of water from the heating unit every three months to remove sediment.
- Insulate your water heater with insulation blankets
- Run washing machines and dryers with full loads
- On sunny days, open curtains and blinds on windows that receive direct sunlight
- Use window insulation kits on drafty windows
For more tips, visit this website.
A big thanks to Olivia Quinlan of 'With White and Wood' to hosting us so we could try out some money-saving weatherization tips!
