How do you keep heating costs down amid rising energy costs? Clark Howard explains

ATLANTA — Winter is here and it definitely feels like it. As many of you begin to turn up the heat, there are concerns about inflation and rising energy costs.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon took a look at what Georgians can do now to help cut down costs.

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Barry Warrick says the best thing to do is be proactive. Warrick knows what he’s talking about. He is the manager of maintenance for Estes Heating and Air and a trainer at Estes University.

At the top of his list: proper maintenance of your heating system with seasonal checks.

“So we’re inspecting our flue pipe connections, making sure everything is sealed and tight,” Warrick said as he walked Deon through an inspection.

Channel 2 consumer adviser Clark Howard says that could save you money.

“Your system may be running really inefficiently so you’re paying big money for that energy to come into your house but not getting the benefit that you should,” Howard said.

Warrick said also be sure to change your filters regularly to keep the air moving.

“Putting off changing simple things like a filter could have catastrophic effects of $800 or $1,000 and repairs for something that could have possibly been prevented,” he said.

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Howard recommends putting in a programmable thermostat.

“It’s the quickest, easiest way for you to cut your heating and cooling costs by roughly 30%, your overall energy costs this winter by about 20%,” she said.

As for the ideal temperature, that’s a personal preference.

“You need to be really thoughtful about what temperature you put your thermostat on,” Howard said. “Every degree you turn your thermostat down, it has a bigger and bigger impact on what that heating bill will be.”

“We ask that for the efficiency out of your home. You touch your thermostat less or only move your temperature about two degrees when you’re not home to when you are home,” Warrick said.

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Warrick also says to check on your pipes.

“We got to worry about insulating those waterlines and everything else to prevent those conditions from outside entering into those unconditioned spaces to where you could have those issues.”

All these moves can help you save money in the long run.

“We’re facing much higher costs even for using the same amount of energy,” Howard said.

Howard said to be sure and check the seals around your windows and doors and your chimney if you have one. Make sure your attic is properly insulated.

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