Fall And Winter Energy Saving Tips

November 17, 2015

Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. There are things you can do to help save energy during fall and winter months. Check out these tips that can increase savings and find out what preventative actions you can take to receive maximum savings throughout the winter.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NATURAL HEAT

-Open curtains and blinds on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home naturally, then close them at night to reduce the cold you may feel from the windows.

ADJUST YOUR TEMPERATURE

-When you’re home, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.

-When asleep or out of the house, set your thermostat back 10 or 15 degrees for eight hours to save 10% a year on your energy bills. ­­

MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING SYSTEMS

-Get your heater tune ups every fall to have the most efficient running system.

-Replace your furnace filter once or a month or as needed.

LOWER HOLIDAY LIGHTING COSTS

-Use “LED” or light-emitting diode light strings to reduce the cost of decorating during the holiday months.

-Use energy star brand lights to have the most energy efficient holiday lighting.

PREVENT HEAT LOSS FROM YOUR FIREPLACE

-Keep fireplace damper closed at all time unless fire is burning. Keeping the damper open causes the warm air to go up the chimney instead of heating your house.

-If you no longer use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

-If you do use the fireplace, install a heat-air exchange system and tempered glass doors to blow warm air back into the room.

-Make the seal on the fireplace flue damper as tight as possible.

LOWER YOUR WATER HEATING COST

-Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home.

-Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) to save energy.