How can save on my (gas) heating bill in my 2-bedroom apartment? I live alone & this winter is frigid! But?

Question

is $214 a reasonable monthly bill? I don't think so. I run the heat at about 75 at night and turn it down to 65 during the day. I used to turn it off for the day, but the heating bill didn't seem much lower. The windows seem OK. And we have a a sliding patio door, but I rarely go out there, esp. in the winter. Can I cover this door somehow? What else can I do to save money?

Answer 1

The sliding glass door could be a huge energy issue. You can buy drapes that insulate well. Are you on the bottom floor of your apartment building? That could be an issue but not one you can remedy since hot air rises. I use a kerosene heater only when I'm awake and at home to off set our heating bill. Kerosene is still expensive averaging at $3/gallon but it's still cheaper than having the heat running constantly. You could also call the gas people and ask them for more suggestions.

I hope that helps!

Answer 2

Caulk! A caulk gun and 1-2 tubes of caulk is a great cheap investment and you'll use it the rest of your life. Plug air leaks around all doors, windows, electrical outlets and switchplates. Do a nice neat job & the manager will never know. Even new homes aren't caulked and should be.

About sliding doors, those are bad leakers, whether you're paying for energy to heat or cool! Maybe there's a way to caulk around the glass with a silicone that can be pulled off during other seasons, I don't know, ask at the hardware store.

75 at night has my curiosity up, I sleep better cool. I also have CuddlDuds camisole undershirts so any bedding and nightwear is comfy. One-time purchases trumps paying out forever & ever.

Answer 3

I'm heating a five bedroom house and barely pay US$100 per month and this has been a cold winter. Mind you, we keep the place at 68 during the day and 65 at night. It's also only two years old and probably fairly energy efficient. Sounds like I'm more cold blooded than you, though. Consider investing in a down comforter and lowering your nighttime temperature to 65. That's where you're getting killed on your bill; at night, it's colder outside, so there's a larger temperature gradient for you to make up.

Answer 4

$214 is too high for a two bedroom apartment, I suggest you get some insulated curtains, close off unused rooms if possible by closing doors to rooms that are not being used, use draft stoppers at base of doors to prevent drafts, and purchase a convection heater these types of heaters are very efficient as other heaters just heat the air around them, convection heat throws the heat all around the room instead of just in one area where you are not in. Also try to put down alot of area rugs to keep the floor a bit warmer this also helps and look for any drafts coming in from the front door and around windows and seal them off with caulking, if you can not afford insulated curtains use some heavy plastic over your windows by affixing it over the window frames iwth tape, make sure your window frames are free of moisture before taping the plastic to them as the tape will not stick, you can drive the moisture away from them by using rubbing alcohol on them before apply the plastic to your windows, all this suggested should help keep your apartment much warmer and further reduce your need for a heater and therefore reducing the monthly bill. You also can use a blanket behind the curtain on your sliding door if it has one, just fold over the end and stitch down far enough so you can fit a curtain rod through it or you can just simply tack the blanket to the backside of the curtain, all this should reduce your heating bills. Good Luck !

Answer 5

I'd definitely seal/cover the windows and the sliding glass door, don't turn the heat down...set it a one temperature like 68 and let it turn itself on and off...buy a down comforter to keep you warm at night...then talk to the land lord... not sure where you live, but I own a 4 bedroom try level, it's been cold as hell here all winter and our bill has NEVER exceeded $100... good luck

Answer 6

Keep it at 65 all the time & wear warm clothes. A layer of thermals with sweats on the top with warm socks or slippers is very comforatable. why change your environment when it is so cheap & easy to dress for the weather? In addition, don't go out to eat. Cook at home. This will keep you off junk foods, help you save money, and warm the house.

You can turn it up to about 70-71 if you are having company.

Answer 7

That's what's getting you turning your heat up and down even if it's alittle you pay alot it takes time for your walls to heat up so when you come home you may feel cold and turn it up to 75 you you have it set on one temp. like 70 all day and night you will see a big difference. Good Luck!

Answer 8

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Answer 9

75 is high turn it down to 70

Answer 10

you can also try using a small space heater. i got mine for $20 at target. that way your bedroom stays warm and you can leave the heat on a lower temperature.