It’s been a very cold weekend in the Bay Area with near freezing temperatures. I’ve definitely had my heater on, so I was inspired to find some frugality points for you. Check out some of the tips below about heating and insulating your home. You can also try out the Home Energy Saving Calculator

1 Pay attention to the thermostat.
A few degrees can make a difference in your heating bill. Set the thermostat between 65º and 68ºF (18º to 20ºC).
* Set back your thermostat when you’re asleep or away. When used properly, an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat with 4-temperature and time settings can save you $100 each year on energy costs.

2 Add extra insulation.
In areas that are accessible, such as attics and crawl spaces, add an extra layer of insulation. Consult an expert or utility representative to determine the appropriate amount to add.
* If you have any ducts that run into the attic or through a cold basement or crawl space, be sure the ducts are well insulated. If the insulation is missing or falling off, most home improvement stores sell insulation designed to insulate ducts. Try to insulate to at least an R-6. Be sure to seal any leaks in the ducts first, then wrap the duct in insulation. If you have flex-duct (shiny metal flexible duct tubes), be sure there are no rips or tears and the ducts are as straight as possible.

3 Keep heating vents unobstructed.
Check ducts which sometimes become blocked by furniture or other items.
* Be sure your ducts are delivering all the warm air they can. If you can see the duct seams where the metal comes together, seal these joints with shiny foil tape with a UL-181 label (this label is very important) or duct mastic (also called duct sealant). This is especially true for the ducts that you can see in your basement or attic.

4 Clean filters monthly.
Forced air furnaces filters trap dirt and dust that should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
* Replace your furnace’s air filter before the heating season begins. A dirty filter will reduce air flow which makes your system work harder to deliver air to the registers. Also, cover the filter slot with a piece of wide tape to keep air from getting in around filter edges without passing through the filter.

5 Close chimney dampers.
An open chimney might act as a suction pipe, pulling warm air out of the house. Close the damper as soon as the fire is completely out.

6 Use sweaters and blankets. (and anything else for that matter — wear extra socks!)
Encourage family members to dress warmly.

7 Circulate heated air.
Since warm air rises to the highest areas, a ceiling fan at a low speed helps distribute warm air in the house.

8 Keep curtains and blinds closed.
Curtains add an extra layer of insulation. If you don’t need the natural sunlight, leave them closed. Turn blind louvers down toward the ground outside to divert rising heat back into the room.

9 Check heat ducts for leaks.
Where accessible, feel ducts for cracks or leaks and seal leaks with foil-backed tape. Ducts in unheated areas should also be insulated where possible.

Stay warm, while still making a difference!