Utility Official: Cut Your Winter Heating Bills

An official with Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power says now is the time to get your home ready for winter weather.

Alan Stoinski says a little preparation now will pay off later in lower bills and a more comfortable home.

He says the first thing you should do is have your furnace checked to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency. He says the check should include a look at the burners "to make sure that nice blue flame is coming out of it".  He says older furnaces should be checked to make sure the motor is operating well and the belts are in good condition.

Stoinski says it's also important to change your furnace filters regularly.

He says a programmable thermostat is a good investment. The thermostat can be programmed to automatically lower the temperature when no one is home and warm the house up for times when people are likely to be home. Stoinski says you should program the thermostat for no more than an eight degree difference in temperature, or else the fuel that is burned to re-heat the home will wipe out the savings from using your furnace less.

Stoinski says now is the time to winterize your home by sealing doorways and window areas that may be letting cold air in. He says CLFP customers can arrange for a free energy audit to see what parts of their home need attention.