Dropping Temperatures
When outside temperatures begin to drop, one of the most costly consequences is the increased energy it takes to maintain a comfortable home temperature. Though it may be tempting to simply lower the temperature on a thermostat, family members may revolt and there are several ways to lower your utility bill while staying warm and cozy. With this in mind, consider these tips to reduce your monthly utility bills in the winter
Look for and seal any areas where heat may escape from your home, especially around windows and doors.- Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are away from home.
- Check the temperature setting of your water heater and insulate it to prevent heat loss.
- Ensure that your vents and radiators are not blocked. This will allow warm air to circulate through your home freely.
- Open window curtains and blinds during the day to let the sunlight warm your home, and close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
- Consider reversing ceiling fans to push down warm air without creating a draft.
- Use fireplaces and wood stoves wisely, an open damper, when not in use, can be like leaving a window wide open.
- Check your furnace filter and replace it if dirty.
- Have all HVAC systems inspected by a professional and repair any leaky ductwork.
- Shut the doors and close the vents to rooms that you are not using. Doing so will allow you to heat the rooms that are in use more efficiently.
Consider Other Potential Sources of Energy waste
There are other small ways that energy can be saved to reduce bills year-round. Consider taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, using energy-efficient LEDs instead of incandescent light bulbs and unplugging electronics when they are not in use. When all else fails stock up on blankets and cozy socks.
