The Farmers' Almanac came out this week and guess what? It's gonna be a brutal winter in much of the country. While oil prices aren't nearly as bad as they were in years past, my guess is that all of us are going to end up paying a little bit more to stay warm this winter.
With that in mind, I thought you'd find these 7 steps to save $1,250 this winter to be helpful. (These tips are compliments of Consumer Reports.)
To Save $550 on Heating & Cooling
Approximately 40 percent of residential energy bills are spent heating or cooling a home. And if you've got leaks, they're contributing to your higher-than-expected energy bills.
1. To eliminate leaks use a combination of caulk, foam board, expandable sealant, and weather stripping.
2. Check insulation levels to make sure that air isn't getting in or out via your attic. If the attic has less than 11 inches of fiberglass or rock wool or less than 8 inches of cellulose, you should probably add more. (I've always heard that if you can see the floor rafters sticking up in your attic, you don't have enough insulation. You want it piled up enough so that it's higher than the rafters on the floor.)
3. Here's something most people overlook: sealing ductwork. According to Consumer Reports, if you spend $500 to seal leaky or poorly insulated ducts that run through crawl spaces, attics, or other areas that aren't heated or cooled, you can save about $400 per year.
4. Don't forget to install a programmable thermostat-they are worth every penny. Automatically lowering the heating-system 5 to 10 degrees at night and during the day when no one is home can shave up to 20 percent off your heating costs.
To Save About $400 on Water ConsumptionYou don't have to be like a camel and not drink water to conserve and save. Here are some tips that everyone can put into practice.
5. Stopping drips is the fastest way to conserve, saving the average household $70 a year.
6. Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures. Low-flow showerheads can save as much as $265 per year on water bills and low-flow toilets can save $90.
To Save $300 on Electricity Use
Don't worry—I won't suggest you sitting in the dark to save money on electricity. Here are some more reasonable ways to save.
7. By changing 10 bulbs and replacing three major appliances with energy-efficient models, you can save hundreds a year on your electricity bills. Also keep in mind the Energy Star rebates, which bring in more savings. We're hoping to get some big bucks back on the Energy Star-rated appliances we secured at a savings for our kitchen renovation.
If you've got other "I never knew that" ways to save money on heating, cooling, lighting and water, let us know.
Leah Ingram is the author of Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less (Adams Media, 2010) and founder of the popular blog Suddenly Frugal. Each week, Leah answers your questions about frugal living, especially how going green can save you green. Got a question for Leah? Email her at
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