Time’s right to think about savings on heat

Time's right to think about savings on heat Summer is beginning to fade. For some of us, the heat hasn't fully dissipated, but a few rainy days and some cooler weather give the feeling that fall is truly approaching.

It seems like a strange time to start thinking about winter and heating, because the last thing on your mind is making your house warmer. But now is the perfect time to consider ways to make your abode winter-friendly and save some money.

First, there are a couple of things that are easy and cost nothing. One is to close the vents in rooms you don't use -- there is no sense heating unused space. Another is to be conscious about using bathroom or stovetop fans in the winter. These suck heated air right out of your living spaces, so while you'll need to use them, remember to turn them off.

Once you've crossed these simple items off the checklist, focus on other ways to prepare.

• Check windows and make sure the seals haven't cracked or broken. The most common way we lose heat in our houses is through faulty window seals.

• Buy a water-heater coat. Though these can be pricey, they can drastically reduce the energy required to keep water hot.

• The electric blanket is winter's ceiling fan. This may sound strange, but just as ceiling fans can help cool your house in the summer and reducing the time your air conditioner runs, an electric blanket can help reduce the amount of time your heater runs. When you spend six to eight hours in bed every day, give your heater a rest during those times.

• Likewise, make sure you turn down your thermostat when you leave your house for extended periods. If you can afford it, get a programmable thermostat.

• Consider having a technician do a heat audit of your home, heating system and water heater. Some home inspectors will do this relatively cheaply, and because they won't be doing the work to repair anything, they have no vested interest in "discovering" major repair jobs.

• Let the sun do some heating. If you have a windows facing the sunshine during a time of day, open the blinds and let the sun do what it does best.

• After you use your oven, leave the oven door open while it cools so that the heat it generated helps warm the house.

It's mostly common-sense stuff, but even as the summer heat fades, prepare now to save money and energy when you need heat in the winter.

Dylan Biles is a moderator and bargain-hunter for DealTaker.com, an online shopping Web site owned by Media General. E-mail or follow him on Twitter @dylanbiles.