Reducing my heating bill this year..

[Mylie]

Last year my electric bill got up to 300.00 a month..Huge for me..This year I want to avoid that..Get it down by half if I can..I am already doing these things..

Plastic coverings for all the windows..
Draft Dodgers for all the doors.
Closing off the unused bedrooms until the foster kiddos start arriving(at the end of winter).
Big thick blankets over the windows at night to keep in the warm air /the cool drafts out.

My problem...I have a huge sliding glass door that has a huge draft at the bottem on one side.I tried last year to plug it up but couldn't really find it.Plan to use draft dodgers all the way across this time..But what can I use to insulate the whole window to maximize heat staying in/cold staying out?

I am flat broke and can't buy a bunch of stuff...Any ideas?????

Thanks...

[Garden~Lover]

Do you use that sliding door during the winter? maybe just cover it completly. or take something like masking tape and tape off all the edges? probably not the most attractive... or even the plastic that goes over the windows. Although I used that last year and it didnt seem to help to much.

[1growingsprout]

Depending on what is 'code' and safety with foster kids I'd be very careful but how about trying DUCT TAPE. That stuff is great and should block and drafts.

[Poddi]

Do you have an old sheet or blanket big enough? Maybe even a fleece blanket? I found fabric curtains really help to keep the cold out, much better than blinds. I love fleece for our curtains, they're light, easy to make and warm. You don't need very high quality fabric either, as curtains won't need to stand up to wear and tear and washing.

[highlandmum]

I don't really have too many suggestions, because I am right there with you! I need some advice too:-) But right off, we are going to be using warmer bedding and I've been buying (at garage sales) all summer footed fleece sleepers for the girls so we can keep the heat lower this winter. I do second sealing up the windows--I've heard from friends IRL that that helps!

[woodchick]

I haven't tried it, but this suggestion from "Build it Solar" looks interesting, cheap and like it probably works!

Bubble Wrap window insulation

[gentlemango]

First, I would kill for $300/mo heating bills during the winter.

Second, I would put up some fleece blankets over the door. Nail it right into the wall above the door. If you're handy you could mount a long curtain rod and sew a pocket into the blanket. But nailing that sucker up there will do the trick.

Also get some throw rugs for the floor in front of the door as well as the draft dodgers that go all the way across. If you can sniff out the drafty area with a candle or lighter, caulk might also solve your problem.

[Valkyrie9]

I'm not sure how much it helps, but when I move into a new house I go to Lowe's and buy these little foam outlet covers. You unscrew the cover of your outlets on outside walls, put the foam thingy over the hole cut in your sheetrock to accomodate the outlet, then screw the plastic cover back over it. Very small investment, and I think it has to help at least enough to cover the cost of the foam thingies.

[Paxjourney]

ts 64 in the house right now. I'm NOT gonna turn on the heat. I'm just not. Its not close to november yet. I have on pants, sock, 1 long sleave shirt. Hoody and a blanket. I'm good. Kids are wram.


Blankets
Blankets
Blankets


a good space heater when needed.