Reduce Your Fort Wayne Gas Bill During These Coming Winter Months

As many of you know, heating your home in Northeast Indiana can be extremely expensive during the coming winter months. What many home owners don't realize is that by taking some basic steps, you could drastically reduce your winter heating bill. Some of the following steps may require some updating of equipment, while most just require a change in lifestyle. I will start with the most basic and work up to those that may require additional equipment.

The first step, it is recommended that you open up your drapes and shades on the south side of your home to allow the sun rays to heat your home during the morning and afternoon hours. But it is recommended to shut them back up when the sun is no longer shining through. Second, make sure to close and lock both your storm doors and windows. Third, reduce the amount and temperature of the water being used in your home. Installing a low flow shower head will drastically reduce the amount of water being used during a shower. It is also recommended to set your water heater thermostat to 128 degrees. This is most important during the winter months because this is when natural gas is at its highest demands, thus highest price per thermal unit. Fourth, lower your thermostat setting to 68 degrees. It is said that for every degree that you drop on your thermostat represents a 3% savings on your gas bill. Thus if you are currently heating your home at 72 degrees and turn your thermostat to 68 degrees your can expect to see a 12% degrease in your monthly gas bill. To help offset this lower temperature layer yourself in something warmer such as pajamas or a robe. Fifth, turn your ceiling fans on reverse. This will push the hot air down from the ceiling. Sixth, seal up any cracks or gaps that may become present all around your home. Most importantly check the weather stripping on windows and doors. Seventh, check your furnace filter monthly and replace when needed. A clogged filter will be cause more stress on your furnace, thus reducing its efficiency. Eighth, have your furnace cleaned and serviced annually to insure that your furnace is running as efficient as possible. Ninth, invest in a humidifier. A home with high humidity will feel warmer then a home with dry air. Lastly, it would be wise to invest in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to turn down your thermostat setting during the hours you are asleep, and at work. From a Realtor stand point, I want my clients utilities bills to be as low as possible. A home that is cost efficient shows a lot better then a home that will cost a potential buyer an arm and leg to heat in the winter months.

Courtney Bontempo
BKM Real Estate
260-341-5442
bontempo66@aol.com
www.ListWithBontempo.com

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