How to Fight High Energy Bills During Winter

As you spend weekends at home and cozy up by the fireplace on those long winter nights, your energy bills may be skyrocketing to epic proportions. If you didn't get a chance to replace old furnaces and water heaters with more energy-efficient models over Fall, you may be paying the price by turning up the heat for hours in order to keep your home warm and toasty. Storm windows and insulation are just a few other important factors involved with energy conservation, but there are some ways to reduce your energy bills regardless of whether you missed the opportunity to update your home. Here are some simple ways to fight high energy bills during winter:

1. Turn off all computers and electronics when not in use. From the computer to the television, use as little power as possible as you spend more time around the house. You can make the whole process easier by using a power strip connected to one main switch.

2. Wrap up your water heater. Invest in a self-installed insulation kit that wraps around your water heater to keep it warmer than average temperatures. This can reduce the energy required to heat up the water when you need it most, and can also prevent freezing if the water heater is located in the basement.

3. Use the power of the sun for heat. Open all blinds and curtains on sunny days to enjoy natural light and natural heat from the sun. You'll be surprised at how much heat can be absorbed simply from the sun's rays, and can help you save on heating costs considerably when you can simply switch off the heater for a portion of the day.

4. Program your thermostat within a 8-10 degree range. This will prevent extreme temperatures where you're constantly increasing and decreasing the heat level in your home---and burning up extra energy as a result. A programmable thermostat can help you maintain steady temperatures throughout the day and night, and can lower your monthly costs considerably.

5. Put caps on hoods and radiators in rooms you no longer use. If you have a spare room in the attic or basement, or just another room in the house that is unoccupied during the winter, close it off so the extra heat isn't being wasted.