How the Gas company recommends saving $$ this winter.

**SHOPGIRL** · 10-11-2005, 09:28 PM

These are a few tips that my gas company included in their bill. You can also go to www.consumerenergy.com. for more tips. My gas company estimated that my bill should increase between $40-50 a month this winter. There are also suppose to be tips on other ways to save on energy on their website.

1. Have your furnace serviced before the heating season to save up to 2 percent on your heating costs during the year.

2. Close heat registers and turn off radiators in unused rooms, such as spare bedrooms, basements, and storage areas to save 5-10 percent on your heating costs.

3. Install a setback or programmable therostate to save up to 20 percent on your heating costs and recover your investment in the first year.

4. Every degree you turn down the heat could save you 1-3 percent in heating costs.

5. Replace weather stripping and seals on windows and doors to save 5-10 percent on your annual energy costs.

**Chea** · 10-11-2005, 09:44 PM

cool tips shopgirl !!

**SHOPGIRL** · 10-11-2005, 09:47 PM

Consumer's Energy claims that our gas prices are 30% LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. They also claim that they have the second largest natural gas underground storage system in the nation and buy most of the winter gas in the summer months. So, we'll see what a good deal our gas is very soon!

**rebecca** · 10-12-2005, 02:47 AM

Shopgirl I read the same thing about the 30%. Goodness I hope so. Where my sister lives in PA one of her neighbors bill for electric was $329 for the month of Aug. OH MY GOODNESS! Have to remember though that they live in a huge huge house. I can't even imagine having an electric bill that high! That's higher than my car payment. When I wish I would have one of though big homes I think of their gas and light bill. Goodness I couldn't even afford the light bulbs to put in those big homes.

**graci42** · 10-12-2005, 09:56 AM

Another tip to save on heating cost...

Insulate duct work (pipes) so you don't lose heat while in basement/ walls as it travels to vent.

We plan on buying insulation especially for this purpose. Don't use regular insulation as this could cause fiberglass to be sucked into ductwork...blown into air.

Graci

**Dedlered** · 10-12-2005, 10:14 AM

Great Tips!! Thank you!!

My DH and I were discussing this last night. Right now we are on the budget plan for Nicor ~ We pay 104 a month but... and this is a good but, we have a 400 credit, which I know will be eaten up when the winter truly sets in. We will keep the temp at 68 and bundle up, we will also use our fireplace and ceiling fans to help with the heat

**Michelle** · 10-12-2005, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the tips

**SHOPGIRL** · 10-12-2005, 05:19 PM

Rebecca, I agree with you. I'm glad that I don't have a huge house that I have to heat.

My gas bill is down $.06 a day. Last year in September, it was $.76 and this September it is $.70. I've reduced my usage from 17 CCF's to 12 CCF's.

Graci- I'm going to check with my dh about our pipes. If they aren't insulated, I'm going to make sure he insulates them.

**canadian gardener** · 10-12-2005, 06:52 PM

Use a draft stopper (I just roll up an old towel) at the base of all outside doors.

Consider using those tape off your window kits with double sided tape and clear shrink to fit plastic. My friend who is a bankers wife does all the windows of her monster mansion every winter, and swears by them.

FOR CHEAPER use my sister's tip and use whatever tape you need to stick builder's plastic over any drafty window. You can't see out clearly but light can still come in, and it solves the draft problem.