Eventually the colder weather will set in, so now is a good time to think about easy green ways to save on your winter heating bills.  Some of them cost you nothing, but can save you a lot.  Other ideas can cost very little and help you save big.

Have you ever heard of a draft dodger - or draft snake?  It’s a long tube of material, stuffed with rice or something similar, that sits up against the edge of the door or window sill and blocks the cold air from coming in.  It also helps keep the warmer air from escaping the room and your heating dollars from slipping through your fingers.  Draft dodgers are reasonably priced, and even cheaper to make them yourself.  I found several versions - including an adjustable one for doors or windows - in the store at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  If they are out, they tell me they can order them for you.  For other versions of the product, just google “draft dodger” or “draft snake” and you can find a bunch of on-line merchants who sell them.

Here are other Winter Energy Saving Tips.

Here are other easy ways to save on your heating bill.

FIRST, TURN DOWN YOUR WATER HEATER TO 120 DEGREES OR LOWER. USING LESS GAS TO HEAT YOUR WATER, WHILE KEEPING IT WARM ENOUGH TO TAKE A SHOWER OR WASH DISHES KEEPS MONEY IN YOUR POCKET.

NEXT, USE THE SUN TO WARM UP ROOMS DURING THE DAY BY KEEPING DRAPES OR BLINDS OPEN. THEN CLOSE THEM AT NIGHT TO KEEP THE WARMTH IN.

CHANGING YOUR FURNACE FILTERS IN THE WINTER IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS CHANGING YOUR A-C FILTERS IN THE SUMMER. DIRTY FILTERS REDUCE AIR FLOW AND MAKE YOUR HEATER WORK HARDER - WHICH COSTS MORE.

AND DON’T FORGET TO LOWER THE THERMOSTAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE OR HEAD TO BED. AND USE A HEAVY COMFORTER OR THERMAL BLANKET.

Tags: draft dodger, draft snake, energy savings

Categories: Energy, Ideas, Products