Experts Give Tips to Stay Warm and Save Money

WASHINGTON - The cold winter months are here, which means thermostats are going up and so are energy bills.

Sam Heer, vice president of sales at Peoria Siding and Window Company, said business is heating up. With colder temperatures arriving later than usual, people are rushing to keep their homes warm.

"What ends up happening, people start to delay as far as windows and doors are concerned. Then they go wait, I can't wait anymore," he said.  

But staying warm can be expensive. Heer wants to make sure people get the best for their buck.

"You can make changes and adjustments and sacrifices and lower your bills without a doubt, especially if you put new updated technology in there," he said.  

One of the quickest ways home owners can save money is by adding insulation. According to Heer, more than 70 percent of homes he works on don't have enough. 

Instead of plugging in space heaters, one of the ways to maintain energy and save money on energy bills is checking entry ways to your residence. For example, he advises shutting windows and making sure they are properly sealed.

Sealing the bottom of your door is also a useful tip, even if it makes closing it slightly more difficult.

However, when making changes around the house, Heer suggests residents think about the warmer months.

"So windows and doors can actually save you more on a percentage basis in the summer. But overall cost savings are still better for you because bills are bigger," he said.  

Heer said residents can't help if the cost of energy goes up. But one thing is for sure.

"The longer you wait the more it's going to cost you."

He also recommends getting your HVAC unit checked twice per year. For renters, he says keeping the heat slightly below 70 degrees can possibly save around fifteen percent off your energy bill.