How To Save on Your Home Heating Costs

The Home Depot wants to help you make smart energy decisions that will reduce your heating cost and save you money. Many Americans use electricity or natural gas, others rely on heating oil or propane. Regardless of your energy source there is no doubt the cost of heating your home is on the rise. Fortunately, the Home Depot has great ideas to help you bring these costs down. If you are one of the over eight million homes that use heating oil, it's a good idea to fill your storage tank in the summer or early fall when the price is going to be slightly lower.

Are you heating rooms in your house that are not being used? If so, closing doors or turning down the heat in those areas could produce immediate savings, another helpful hint to have your home's heating system professionally inspected. Don't forget to change your furnace filters once a month. Clogged filters make your system work harder reducing its efficiency. If it's time to replace your old heating system, remember to look for an Energy Star labeled furnace which is about 15% more efficient than standard furnaces. By choosing Energy Star and taking steps to optimize the performance of your heating equipment, you are saving money while enhancing the comfort of your home.

New energy-efficient multi-fuel stoves are fast gaining in popularity. Using these as an alternative heat source for your home can cut your energy bill. You can choose models that burn wood, pellets or other renewable materials. This flexibility means you are not tied to a particular fuel for your heating needs. You can further reduce your heating bills with a vent-free gas fireplace which is 99% efficient, so the warm air stays in your room and doesn't go up the chimney. Try using a vent-free gas heater which warms your immediate living space and lets you turn down the thermostat.

With energy prices expected to reach an all-time record high, look to the Home Depot. For How Tos and Tips go to HomeDepot.com/Energy, we have a number of alternative options to help keep your house warmer this winter.