MONTPELIER, Vt. -
It's getting colder, have you used your heat yet? If you haven't turned up the heat, it might be because you're dreading the bill. We wanted to find out how you can stay warm at a decent price.
I talked to a couple of different experts today. One on fuel, another on energy. Both say converting the heating system you have is expensive, so it's all about finding ways to make what you have a little cheaper.
"Conservation makes a heck of a lot more sense than conversion," Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, Executive Director Matt Cota said.
So unless you're planning to spend a few thousand dollars to remodel, there are steps you can take to shrink your bill. Sealing up any air leaks and adding insulation are at the top of the list. An energy audit can also find ways for you to use less fuel.
"It'll tell you the places in your home where you can really save energy and where you'll get the best bang for your buck," John Quinney, General Manager of Energy Co-op of Vermont said.
Cleaning your furnace or boiler can also make a big difference this winter.
"You wouldn't drive your car for four years without going to the mechanic, you should do the same with your heating equipment, a simple tune-up can save you five percent," Cota said.
Full disclosure, I'm from San Diego and this will be my first Vermont winter and ever since I moved here, so many people have told me that last winter just wasn't normal and they say there's no way it'll be mild again this year.
"The colder it is, the higher the heating costs go, for all consumers, no matter what fuel they use," Cota said.
So because we can almost guarantee that heat and lots of it will be used, some people may opt for a supplement instead, "like wood pellets to heat their homes because that's a lot less expensive than heating oil or propane," Quinney said.
Another good suggestion, shop around and compare prices of all heating options. Some companies will even let you lock in your price before the season starts, or let you come up with a budget plan.
