As energy prices rise, most homeowners are concerned about keeping heating and cooling costs down. Here are some tips to help keep those energy bills under control, starting with the thermostat:
Protect the thermostat for your heating or cooling system from anything that would cause it to give a false reading. If the thermostat is in a draft, misplaced on a cold outside wall, or too close to a heat-producing register, its accuracy will be compromised.
If you won't be home for a few days, turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. If there's no danger of pipes freezing or any other household items being damaged, turn the heating system off completely.
Install a thermostat timer to save fuel and money. The timer can be set to automatically raise and lower the temperature during the peak and off-hours.
Avoid constant thermostat adjustments, as they can waste fuel. When coming into the house after the thermostat has been turned down, don't set it higher than the desired temperature. Setting the thermostat up very high will not cause the temperature to reach the desired level any faster.
One heating adjustment you should make, however, is the reduction in the thermostat setting before you go to bed. Cutting back for several hours can make a huge difference in fuel consumption.
Reduce the thermostat setting when you have a big group of people in your house. People generate heat, and a party can quickly raise the temperature.
