Don't get burned by home heating costs

As the weather turns cold, many retreat indoors and turn on the heat. There are some steps you can take to cut the cost of keeping warm this winter. To get the most bang for your heating buck, consider these tips:

--How low can you go? Set your thermostat as low as possible without sacrificing comfort. Experts recommend keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees or below for maximum energy savings.

--Keep the temperature steady. If your heating system has aq thermostat, resist the temptation to crank it up a few degrees every time the temperature drops outside. Most heating systems, especially heat pumps, work best when kept at a steady temperature.

--Keep the heat flowing. Make sure that furniture and drapes don't get in the way of vents, radiators, or baseboard heating strips. Also, prune any outdoor shrubs that block airflow to your heat pump.

--Let nature help. On sunny days, open blinds and curtains to let the sunlight warm up your home, especially if your windows face south. Close curtains at night to help keep cold air out and warm air in.

--Light fires sparingly. A fire may give the illusion of warmth, but burning a fire actually draws air warmed by your heating system out of your home.

--Know your fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate heated air throughout your home. On the other hand, ventilation fans pull air right out of your home. Run ventilation fans, such as those used in kitchens and bathrooms, only when needed.

--Don't heat wasted space. Close off unused or isolated rooms and turn off the heat to those spaces.

--Keep it clean. Clog filters force your furnace to work harder and less efficiently, costing you more money. Vacuum your vents and heaters regularly, and change or clean your filters once a month according to the instructions.

--Look out for leaks. If cold air is coming in, that means heat is going out and your heat bill is going up. Check for drafts and caulk or install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent heat from leaking out.

--Wrap it up. Floors, ceilings, exterior walls, attics, ducts and pipes should all be properly insulated. Consider wrapping your hot water heater in an insulating jacket, to. When inspecting and purchasing home insulation, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the higher the insulating power.

--Watch out for scam artists who try to take advantage of high energy prices by pitching products they claim will drastically reduce your heating costs. Be skeptical of too-goodto be-true offers, unsolicited sales calls and high-pressure pitches for services like air duct and vent cleaning. If you have questions about a dealer, contact the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

--Need a new heating system? Consider enerby efficient models. To make a purchase that will save you money in the long run, look at operating costs in addition to the sticker price.

Above consumer information provided by Attorney General Roy Cooper's office and staff.

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