Easy steps can cut winter heating bills

Natural gas and heating oil prices rose again Thursday, continuing a recent upward tick. Even so, the cost of heating your house, apartment or condo should dip this winter, according to recent projections by the government.

But you don't have to simply hope for lower prices and milder weather to reduce costs – you can cut 5% to 30% of your energy bills by taking a few simple steps, says Christina Kielich of the Department of Energy.

Start by combating myths and learning how your home works.

Myth:

Exhaust fans only remove odors.

Reality: Your kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans can drain your house of heated air in one hour, says Gordon Holness, president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Myth:

Duct tape seals ducts.

Reality: It's good for almost everything else, but it curls and unravels on heating ducts. Buy a mastic or tape designed for hot areas. Turn on the heat and follow the ducts wherever you can fit. Put your hand near the joints to feel where hot air is escaping, then apply the mastic or tape. A tip from George Stuckey of Fox Service in Austin: If you choose the shiny, foil-like tape, rub it briskly with a spoon or an old credit card after you apply it. That activates the glue and helps it adhere.

Myth:

Really small openings don't matter.

Reality: Tiny openings around dryer vents and garden faucets allow cold air to enter your home all winter long. Inexpensive sealing putty, which comes in rope form and has the consistency of Play-Doh, can solve your problem quickly. It works indoors and out and stays in place for decades, Stuckey says. [Read More]