Energy Adviser: Act now to save money on winter heat costs – The Columbian

The chilly days of fall are just around the corner and winter isn’t far behind, and as we all know, when the temperatures start to drop, home heating bills start to rise.

But a little bit of work and small investments today can help you save money on home heating bills tomorrow. The mild temperatures make the next few weeks an ideal time of year to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.

To start, consider investing in area rugs if your home is uncarpeted. You don’t have to put them down yet, but laying rugs across bare floors will help your feet stay warm against the cold ground and add a layer of insulation.

Next, inspect the weather-stripping and thresholds around exterior doors. If they need to be replaced, doing it now will minimize disruptions and discomfort in your home when temperatures fall.

Even the best windows are poor insulators, but hanging thick drapes over them will reduce that effect. Closing drapes on hot days now will help keep the heat out and closing them during winter will hold the heat in.

But also during the winter, consider leaving the drapes open on the sunny side of your home for natural light and to allow the sun’s warming rays to heat the interior — just remember to close them before the day’s end.

If your home uses zonal heaters, such as baseboard heaters or wall heaters, give them a good cleaning before you use them. Dust buildup in your heaters can cause them to operate less efficiently. Once they’re clean, test them out to make sure the heaters, as well as the thermostats that control them, are working properly.

If your home has a central heating system, make or have your landlord make an appointment to have it inspected by a heating and cooling professional.

“HVAC companies are usually very busy throughout fall and early winter because many people don’t realize their heating systems have a problem until they try to use it for the first time on that first cold day of the season,” said Energy Services Supervisor DuWayne Dunham. “Having your system inspected now when it’s still early in the season will get you ahead of the crowd and catch any potential problems before the mercury drops.”

Speaking of HVAC systems, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. They’re easy to install and use. Once a smart thermostat learns your schedule and personal preferences, it automatically operates as efficiently as possible, which saves you money all year.

If you’re ready to permanently lower your electrically heated home’s energy costs, this is a good time to take advantage of Clark Public Utilities’ conservation incentives for window replacements, increasing insulation levels and/or home heating system upgrades, which have been temporarily increased to provide even more savings.

A typical household spends half of its utilities budget on heating and cooling. Homes built before 1990 may cost even more to heat and cool because they’re typically less insulated and less sealed than newer homes.

“Weatherization upgrades — especially adding insulation — can deliver financial savings, energy savings and make your home more comfortable all year long,” Dunham said. “The initial investment may be a little steep, but you can expect to get that money back and then some, through lower utility bills over the home’s lifetime and the benefits start immediately.”

To find out more about rebates and incentives, qualifications, financing options or, for energy saving advice, visit our website or call or email the Energy Counselor of the Day at the contact information below.

Energy Adviser is produced by Clark Public Utilities and relies on the expertise of utility energy counselors and staff, who provide conservation and energy use information. To contact us call 360-992-3355, email ecod@clarkpud.com or visit www.clarkpublicutilities.com.