photo credit: mightyohm

This is the time of year when winterizing articles appear, and if you’re like me, it’s hard to get motivated to use the suggestions that are given. Unlike other savings tips, you don’t see cold hard cash in your hands when you’re lowering your heating bill.

But there are real dollars that can be saved. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, and nearly half of that amount goes to heating and cooling.

I researched the Department of Energy’s Energy Star web site and summarized a checklist of four items you can buy (well, one of them is free) that might save you hundreds of dollars in heating expenses this winter. Read below to find out how to save:

1. Phone Call to Your Natural Gas Utility Company (to Negotiate a Lower Rate): Average Cost $FREE, Potential Savings $84/year

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average cost of space-heating fuels this winter is expected to decrease by about $84. If you’re on a fixed rate heating plan—where unit rates won’t decrease at all–call your utility company and ask if it makes sense to go to a variable (or lower fixed) rate plan.

2. Programmable Thermostat: Approx. Cost $40, Potential Savings $180/year

According to the Energy Star site, homeowners can save about $180 a year by setting programmable thermostats to the proper energy-efficient, but comfortable, settings. Click here for a chart on what those settings are (they’re dependent on the time of the day).

3. Air Filter: Average Cost $20, Potential Savings $ 200/year (the cost of excess heating bills per season from an inefficient system, according to Energy Star)

The Energy Star experts recommend that you change your air filter at least once a quarter, and preferably every month during the peak seasons of winter and summer. A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, but a dirty one will make it work hard (ie, more energy and more money out of your pocket).

4. Mastic Sealant: Approx. Cost $30 and/or Metal Tape: Approx. Cost $5 each, Potential Savings $220/year (based on 10% savings of the avg. heating bill, according to Energy Star)

The Energy Star web site recommends sealing your ducts using these products to prevent the “open window” cold air effect in the winter. Ironically, the experts suggest that homeowners not use duct tape because it’s not long-lasting. You may want to hire a contractor for this particular job, but according to Energy Star, it is a possible do-it-yourself task.

That’s the round-up. Total Approx. Costs: $115. Total Potential Savings: About $600. Now that’s something to get motivated about!

I’m sure our readers have even more tips. If you have one that works, add it to the comments below.