Start out the new year with a clean furnace filter. Your heating system has been working overtime during the last four weeks. Dirty filters restrict airflow to the rooms in your home. Clean filters help your furnace run efficiently and help you get the most from your heating dollar.

When you change your filter, note the date that you changed it on the filter itself or on a calendar.

Make sure that all of your registers are open and clean. Closed registers restrict airflow. Closing your registers will not reduce your heating costs. Closed registers can create cold spots in the home and confuse your thermostat.

Use a vacuum cleaner to keep registers and return grilles clean. Also check to make sure that registers are not covered or blocked by furniture or other items. Never place filters in your registers; they restrict airflow and reduce comfort.

Identify and seal air leaks. Winter is the ideal time to track down air leaks because you can easily feel cold drafts. Use caulk, foam products and weather stripping to keep the cold air out. Check out Energy Star's Guide to Home Sealing. This is a great resource that can help you understand how air leaks could be costing you money and causing comfort problems.

Check out our Winter Energy Saving Tips at bremc.com for more information about how to get the most value from the kilowatt-hours that you purchase from Boone REMC.

Source: Boone County REMC