Winter Energy Efficiency Tips

General Tips

• Turn your thermostat down a few degrees. Each degree you lower it saves about 2% in heating costs.
• Set your water heater at 120°. (140° if you have a dishwasher without a heating unit.)
  
• Take shorter showers. Showers can account for 2/3 of your water heating costs.
• Run your dishwasher only when it's full.  Using your dishwasher consumes less water than hand washing dishes, but only if you run full loads.
• Wash laundry in cold water.  Save hot water washes for heavily soiled or stained items. Wash full loads, and don't over-dry.
• Clean furnace filters monthly.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Replace burned out light bulbs with CFLs, which use much less electricity.
• Keep the damper closed when your fireplace is not in use. (Wait several hours after the fire dies.)
  
• Open the blinds or drapes of sun-exposed windows during the day to let the heat in.  Close them at night to conserve heat.
  
• Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows that leak air.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically lower the temperature at night or when the house is unoccupied.

Tips for forced air heating systems

• Clean or replace filters monthly and keep all vents open and free of obstructions.
• Have your heating system inspected and maintained each year by a qualified heating contractor.
• Leaky ductwork can increase your heating bills and make your home less comfortable.  Have your ductwork tested for leaks and sealed if necessary.

Home Improvement Options

• A home energy evaluation can show you where your home could be more efficient.  Your heating fuel determines which organization will complete an evaluation for you.  See the list of evaluation providers.
• Upgrade inefficient windows and glass doors to ENERGY STAR^® qualified models.
• Increase the insulation in your attic, exterior walls, floors and crawl spaces.