Six Smart Tips for Saving Money on Heating This Winter

1. Choose a hot winter window treatment.

SolarChoice blinds have a unique purpose--they keep the heat in instead of out. Each vane has a channel for trapping cold air and warming it through "passive solar heating," so that it exits the chamber at a temperature of up to 140 degrees. This can mean savings of up to 35 percent on your winter heating bills.

2. Keep the cold out with weatherstripping.

Although proper insulation throughout your home is key for the winter months, caulking and weatherstripping any gaps in the thermal envelope will help seal the deal in terms of saving on the heating bill. Obvious places to look for gaps include interior and exterior door frames and window frames. You may also want to pay attention to electrical and gas service entrances, mail chutes, outdoor water faucets, and any openings created by air conditioners, vents, or fans.

4. Keep water heaters at 120 degrees.

Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 110 to 120 degrees makes sense for winter months. Some water heaters come preset at 140 degrees, which is more heat than most homes require. In terms of savings, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that each 10 degree interval can save a home 3 to 5 percent on energy bills.

6. Look into budget billing.

Ask your utility company about a budget billing plan, which takes the yearly energy bill and divides it by twelve. This can take the sting out of winter heating bills by divvying the cost throughout the year.

With these tips, you can get cozy this winter without having heating concerns on your mind. So snuggle up and enjoy the cold months in the warmth of your well insulated home!