Cold weather is right around the corner, and it has been said that Natural Gas prices could rise an average of 50% this winter. Most people have not seen this information, because unlike filling up your vehicle every week at the pump, most people won’t see the high cost until they start heating their home.

Here are some tips to help your wallet this winter:

• Turn your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Make sure your water heater has an insulating blanket.
• Consider replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents (CFLs), which can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents.
• Check the age and condition of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. You may want to replace it with a more energy-efficient model before it dies.
• Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.
• Rope caulk very leaky windows.
• Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.
• Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.
• Seal up the largest air leaks in your house — the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors. They’re utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys, gaps around recessed lights in insulated ceilings or unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
• Install a clock thermostat thermostat to lower the heat automatically at night.
• Schedule an energy audit (ask your utility company or state energy office) for more expert advice on your home as a whole.

If the prices of Natural Gas and Gasoline does not make you want to learn to be indepedent, we don’t know what will. Why should we as American’s continue to pay in order to live? These large companies have made millions of dollars while the Average American sweats everytime they fill up at the gas station and when their energy bill comes for their homes.

If you are ready to Make a Stand, look for future articles, titled “Projects you can do to Make a Stand” which we will provide How Tos in order for YOU to be able to start Making a Difference.