It is that time of year again for that cold, bitter winter season and if you are not prepared your energy bills can also leave you feeling bitter. Take a look at these few tips to help get you through the winter season.

1. Use a Programmable Thermostat. When you program your thermostat to lower temperatures when you are not home, you save money. You can also program the thermostat to lower the heat at night when you are wrapped up in your warm bed. Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius while you are sleeping at night and when no one is at home. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree Celsius you turn down your thermostat.
2. Keep the cold air out and warm are in. Drafts will cause your heating bill to go up. Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.
3. Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, doorframes, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.
4. Change your furnace filter. A dirty filter means that the entire furnace has to work harder and that means you will use more energy and energy costs you money! A dirty furnace filter will also contribute to premature equipment failure.
5. Keep the temperature on your water heater down. Drop the temperature on your water heater a few degrees. The average household keeps the water heater at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (or 60 degrees Celsius). Try dropping the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or 49 degrees Celsius).
6. Minimize the use of vent fans. Using the vent above your stove or using the fan vent in your bathroom sucks the warm air from that area and pushes it outside.
7. Use your Ceiling Fan. Have your ceiling fan run on the low speed setting which will allow hot air to be pushed down and circulate the air better throughout your home.
8. Use your Curtains. Keep your curtains and blinds open during the day while the sun is shining and then keep your curtains and blinds closed during the night to help keep hot air in. Also think about investing in thermal or black out curtains.
9. Invest in a High Efficiency Furnace. High efficiency furnaces save you money. Contact Reinhardt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd, the experts in furnace installation in Regina to receive a detailed estimate.