| Beat the Heating Bills | |
The price of gas, heat, and utilities is rising rapidly. Just in the past couple weeks gas has risen 61%. You're not alone; everyone is feeling the crunch. Don't let your next utility bill catch you by surprise. Plan now to conserve your heat as much as possible. Cathey Carney of Old Huntsville magazine shares these money-saving, heat-conserving tips:
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If you have a fireplace, use it at night. Wood is cheaper than gas right now. Be sure and close the doors to fireplace when you go to bed. Much of your home’s heat escapes through an open fireplace.
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Double up on clothing by wearing layers. You'll feel warmer with a light undershirt or sweater, heavy sweatshirt, leggings, and socks.
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Don't forget the obvious: turn down your thermostat to 65-68 degrees or lower if you can stand it during the day. At night turn it off completely.
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Use goose down comforters on your bed. You’ll be amazed how warm and snuggly you’ll stay.
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Take shorter showers in the morning. Using a lot of hot water is like throwing money down the drain.
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Keep outside doors shut. Explain to children and others in the household why you’re doing this.
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Wash your clothes with cold water. It will save you money and it’s better for the fabric, anyway.
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Eat hearty in the morning. Oatmeal or hot cereal in the morning, then hot spicy foods at night help make you feel warm.
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Put towels or sheets at the bottom of the doors that face outside, especially if you have cracks. A lot of cold air can seep into your home from doors and windows.
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Keep window shades and curtains closed at night.
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Move! Walk around, get exercise, and stay active. Go outside and walk. It increases your blood flow and will make you feel warmer.
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DON’T use a kerosene heater in a closed space. It takes the oxygen out of the air and can kill you. Always turn it off at night. Make sure nothing flammable is nearby heaters of any kind.
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Stay in bed a bit longer in the morning, and go to bed earlier. When your heat is turned off and you’re in bed, you’re saving money!
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Sit down with your budget and know that you’re going to be paying more for your utilities until it gets warm. Plan on less spending for other items so you'll be able to pay those big heating bills.
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Check on your neighbors, especially the older folks, and make sure they’re OK.
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Call your Congressmen and let them know what’s happening and how you feel about it.
If you have more money-saving, energy-reducing tips to share, please go to the Huntsville forum and tell us about them.
