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Tips for Lowering Your Heating Bill

By Marcie Sandalow

Real Estate Agent with Marcie Sandalow, Compass 301.758.4894

February 13, 2011 08:33 AM

Did you know that your kitchen exhaust or bathroom fan can empty a house of heat in less than an hour if left on for too long! Or that a layer of tight-fitting plastic can transform a single pane window into functioning as a double pane window? Don't have a programmable thermostat yet? Hang a hook near the thermostat for your keys, and you'll remember to turn it down when leaving the house for long periods of time.

Montgomery County, MD has put together a great informational flier addressing Winter Heating Tips. Owning a home can be expensive. But heating it doesn't have to break the bank. Some of the simple steps found in "Winter Heating Tips" can save you a bundle.

Now, if you're looking for a home to heat, give me a call.

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Gaye Granice

Robert Defalco Realty - Staten Island, NY

Associate Broker

Thanks for some great tips. This has been an exceptionally cold winter so every little bit helps!

Feb 13, 2011 08:35 AM

Randy Landis

Living in the Pacific - Tupelo, MS

Life is Good in the Tropic Shade!

And don't forget - a thick pair of socks and an extra layer of clothing helps keep things just a little warmer.

Feb 13, 2011 08:45 AM

Yolanda Hoversten

Self Employed - O'Fallon, IL

Referrals for O’Fallon, IL & the Metro East

Our heating bill was way up last month. We've been learning to do what comment #2 said. Thanks for the tips!

Feb 13, 2011 08:52 AM

Ginny Gorman

RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI

Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Marcie, i love some of the tips...and i didn't realize that about the fan...i do like putting a timer on it...my bill too was outrageous the past month...layering just doesn't keep me warm...

Feb 13, 2011 08:58 AM

Diane McDermott

Realtor®, GRI, Landis e2 Real Estate, LLC - Charlotte, NC

Charlotte NC Real Estate Market

Marcie, I never considered the bath or kitchen vent fans! I turn the heat down when I'm gone and at night - the programmable thermostats are nice since you can set them to raise the temp before you wake up so it's not freezing when you get out of bed

Feb 13, 2011 09:34 AM

Michele Cadogan 917-861-9166

Fillmore Real Estate 2990 Av U, Bklyn , NY 11229 - Brooklyn, NY

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker -

Interesting post I did not know about the exhaust fans depleting the home of heat. Thanks

Feb 13, 2011 09:57 AM

TERI LINDSAY

Reno, NV

STAGELIGHT HOME STAGING CO.

Marcie, Great simple tips...... wrap the water heater in a insulating blanket specially made to fit.....cut my gas bill in half!!! Make sure the fireplace flue is closed when not in use, otherwise it's like a vacuum...

Feb 13, 2011 03:42 PM

Marcie Sandalow

Marcie Sandalow, Compass 301.758.4894 - Bethesda, MD

Bethesda Chevy Chase DC real estate

Thanks for all of your comments. I'm a big believer in extra socks and sweaters, too. And the exhaust fan was new information for me, as well. Who knew? Teri- I had my water heater replaced a few years back, and supposedly the new ones don't require any wrapping. Though saving half on the gas bill makes me think I ought to research it further.

Feb 14, 2011 02:30 AM

Extra insulation will always help. Newer water heaters do have a foam insulation and maybe a "foil" inner wrap.... but that extra $20.00 "blanket" will provide additional insulating factor.... it's gotta help, especially with the unusually long and cold winter you've been having.Also, my water heater is as old as this house....at least 30 yrs... I am just waiting for it to go.....

Feb 14, 2011 11:31 AM

Ha! Research in the works. Thanks for weighing in.

Feb 14, 2011 01:53 PM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Marcie, oops! I left my bathroom exhaust fan running all day yesterday! Won't do that again.

Feb 17, 2011 07:25 AM

Good thing it was a warm day. Boy, I'm ready for Spring to stay!

Feb 17, 2011 08:08 AM

Tips for Lowering Your Heating Bill

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