GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Everyone wants to be warm and cozy at home during the winter months, but even though the chill is being felt outside, it does not mean it needs to be felt in wallets.
13 ON YOUR SIDE sat down with Consumers Energy who shared five simple ways people can save on their bills.
Tip #1: Having your heating system inspected by a professional.
"It's a good routine practice to just get your heating system checked, have it tuned and inspected, and that will help it perform the best that it can," said Consumers Energy spokesperson Kristen Van Kley, who says catching problems with heating systems early on could save a person up to 3% on energy bills.
Tip #2: Close and seal in gaps to prevent cold drafts.
"One simple thing you can do is just go through your home, and look for any drafts. If you feel any drafts coming in, you're gonna want to go and make sure that all of your doors are properly closed, the windows are properly closed and sealed," said Van Kley.
The Kent District Library also has thermal cameras that can be checked out for free from their Beyond Books collection, that can be used to identify where cold air may be entering a home.
Tip #3: Turn down the thermostat one degree when you go to bed.
"That's going to save you about 1% on your energy bill, so just turn down your thermostat one degree and then go ahead and put on an extra blanket, and you'll be feeling nice and warm and cozy and saving money on your energy bill."
Tip #4: Cleaning or replacing your furnace filter regularly.
Van Kley says that changing the filter on your furnace regularly can help your furnace "breathe" more easily, letting it run for efficiently and using less energy.
Tip #5: Utilize a free home analysis
"Consumers Energy does offer a home energy analysis where someone will actually come out to your home and look around your space and identify ways that you can save energy. And that's a free service that we have."
Unforeseen circumstances do occur however, and if you are struggling, you can dial 211 to connect with local non profits that can assist with providing basic needs, helping with furnace repairs or replacements, and assisting with bills.
Consumers Energy also has programs to assist their customers. Customers can reach out at 1-800-477-5050 to make special payment arrangements.
Other resources include:
* State Emergency Relief at michigan.gov/mibridges [newmibridges.michigan.gov]
* Applying for a Home Heating Credit at michigan.gov/treasury [michigan.gov]