Winter Energy Saving Tips!

11/30/2020

Fall and Winter bring a whole new set of household chores, from winterizing your outdoor plumbing to raking leaves. It’s also the time of year when most of us fire up our furnaces for the first time in several months. If you have energy efficiency on your mind as the seasons change, use these tips to make sure you’re set up to save.

Sign up for our Weatherization Program to identify areas of improvement with the goal of improving the energy efficiency–and comfort–of your home.

Seal air leaks. No matter how efficient the heating system is, air leaks around doors, windows, and service entrances will compromise efficiency and make equipment work harder to compensate for the loss of warm air and the infiltration of cold air. Seal leaky doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping, and apply expandable caulk to large gaps around pipes, vents, and other service entrances.

Stock up on air filters. Inspect the air filter every month and replace it when it’s dirty to ensure airflow and prevent dust buildup, which can damage essential components.

Install a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs, and program it to lower the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during the time you’re away from home. You can also receive rebates for installing a smart thermostat.

Take advantage of heat from the Sun by opening curtains during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home and close them at night.

Replace your light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs, which last about six times longer and use 75 percent less electricity. Don’t forget to put outdoor and holiday lights on a timer to ensure they’re on only during the dark hours.