This is the first in our new series "Ask The Expert". This series is designed to help you gain knowledge and information on a wide-range of topics and questions chosen by you, our reader. If you have a question or want more information on a subject, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . This week we will look at how you can save money on those heating bills this winter.

Now that it is turning colder and with the nasty weather expected to invade the New River Valley this weekend, it is a good time to gather some useful tips that homeowners can do around the house that are pretty cheap and do not take much time to complete. 

The high energy costs of heating your home this winter are obviously not going to come down much, if at all.  Instead of doing a complete overhaul of your heating system in your house we have some things that you can do around your own home, courtesy of Jason Lucas of Lucas Heating and Cooling.

Check out the accompanying video clip of Jason showing some of these 10 tips listed below to help save some heating costs in your home!

Ten Ways To Save Some Money On Your Heating Costs This Winter

1.  Have your heating system serviced annually.  Neglect is the number one cause of system inefficiency.

2.  Check for air leaks in your duct system, then seal any links with a high quality duct tape if the lead is in a crawl space or your attic.

3.  Maintain a humidity level of 40-60% in your home.  This will increase the temperature of the heated area by up to 3 degrees. This not only prevents static electricity and dry skin, it also allows you to cut your thermostat back a couple of degrees.

4.  For the same annual cost (about $75) switch to a pleated 6 inch air filter instead of the standard 1 inch air filter.  The six inch filter only needs to be replaced once a year and it allows a greater air flow when compared to the one inch filter, which need to be replaced monthly.

5.  If you have a heat pump system, find a temperature in your house that is comfortable for EVERYONE in the household and leave it there all winter.  when the temperature is constantly adjusted up and down, your secondary heat source (electric, oil, or gas) supplements your heat pump, which will take away the economical calue of your heat pump.

6.  Once your heat cuts on, reverase the directional switch on your ceiling fans.  This will allow the heat to be recirculated throughout the room.  It will also blow the heat back downward as it rises.

7.  If your equipment is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading for efficiency and safety purposes.

8.  When using exhaust fans, like the ones found in bathrooms, keep the door closed while the fan is running.  Exhaust fans quickly such heat out of your home.

9.  If you are going to leave home for a few days, set your thermostat to about 55 degrees, never turn it off!!  This will keep your home warm enough so you do not come back home to your pipes freezing and bursting and humidity loss.

10.  Make sure that return grills are free from obstructions, such as furniture or appliances.  Return air flow is critical for effeicient heating systems.

Be sure to see the video clips that go with this story on the main page of www.everythingnrv.com.

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