Don't let last weekend's warm weather fool you. Winter, and its cold temperatures, is just around the corner.
And, whether you believe the forecast of 10 percent higher home heating costs or the one that says fuel prices will stay about the same, you can save money by taking steps to reduce the amount of fuel you use to heat your home in the coming months.
The most basic of winterizing steps - replacing air filters and caulking around doors and windows - can lead to savings. Even though your furnace has probably already kicked in, it would also pay to have a checkup and cleaning before it's put to the real test when things turn bitterly cold. A checkup will also find out if the unit is functioning properly. If it's not, you and your family are at risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Now is also a good time to check for the proper amount of insulation in your attic. If there is less than 12 inches, you can add paperless rolls on top. Also, check the basement walls and crawl spaces for cracks and drafts.
Close blinds and drapes at night to keep cold air outside, but be sure to open them during the day to bring in warm sunlight.
Use a programmable thermostat to drop the temperature in the home while you are snuggled in a warm bed at night. You can also program it to turn down the heat during the day when no one is home, yet have it toasty warm when you come home from work or school. Dropping the temperature from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours - sleep or away time - you can save up to 10 percent of your heating costs.
And, if you need help paying your winter heating bills, you can contact the Sheboygan County Department of Health and Humans Services. The federal government has set aside about $130 million this year that local units of government can tap in order to provide assistance.
Those who are cash-strapped can also work with their fuel supplier to set up a budget or payment plan.
The key thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to save money. Winter will be here soon enough, so get prepared.
In addition to proper maintenance and safe driving habits, outfitting your vehicle with the right tires and knowing how to maintain them for optimum performance is key to safer driving during the winter season. Poor traction in winter weather is frightening and dangerous. One way to avoid this is by furnishing your vehicle with a set of winter tires. Because high-performance tires built for average-weather driving conditions may not provide optimal traction on an icy road, investing in seasonal tires is your best bet.
