How to keep your home warm, costs low as temperatures continue to dip
EL PASO, Texas -- As colder temperatures move in the Borderland, it can become colder inside your home. That means heating bills can also climb.
"I think one of the most important things is having a well-insulated homes. It keeps the temperature inside the home," said Oscar Castro, who works with Scott Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
There are easy ways to keep costs down.
"A dirty air filter can restrict air flow significantly, which can lead the unit to run longer periods of time," said Sal Orozco with Scott Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Orozco says a common misconception is that you need to turn off your heating system completely when you leave the home.
"When you leave your home never turn off your system, always lower the temperature in the wintertime or in the summertime, raise the temperature," Orozco said.
The company also recommends leaving the damper on your fireplace closed if you're not burning a fire, and wrapping and insulating pipes so they do not freeze.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds the public not to use an oven in an effort to heat your home on a budget, and keep space heaters and other heating devices at least three feet away from furniture, drapes and bedding.