Heat: it’s the single largest energy expense in your home according to ENERGY STAR, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While you can’t avoid using heat in winter, homeowners can take simple and inexpensive steps to save energy and cut home heating costs.

When the temps drop, give these tips a try:

1) Service your furnace. Regular inspections can help ensure that your furnace will run efficiently, and can potentially reduce home heating costs. Also don’t forget to replace your filter monthly.

2) Seal your home. According to Black Hills Energy, windows and doors account for as much as 7-12 percent of a home’s heat loss. Seal your home by adding weather stripping to your doors and plastic film to your windows.

3) Use a ceiling fan. Flip the switch on your ceiling fan so the blades spin clockwise. This will push cold air up toward the ceiling and force hot air down into the occupied space.

4) Regulate your home’s temperature. Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature in your home while you’re away or sleeping. ENERGY STAR reports that this could save you $180 annually. Install a smart thermostat that will regulate the temperature of your house.

5) Take advantage of solar rays. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to soak up the sun’s heat. Draw them at night to help insulate your home.

6) Don’t heat unused rooms. There’s no sense in paying to heat a room you don’t use. Shut vents in unoccupied rooms and close the doors.

7) Seal air ducts. According to ENERGY STAR, 20-30 percent of the air moving through your duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Use mastic or foil tape to seal your system.

8) Moist air feels warmer than Humidify your home. dry air, so use a humidifier to maintain a relative humidity level of 25-45 percent.

Disclosures

Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax or legal advice.