Fall is officially here, and at NES, we want to help you prepare for the change in seasons. As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, energy use often increases, leading to higher monthly bills. With winter and the holidays approaching, here are some tips to help you save energy and money.
Around the House
- Seal air leaks. One of the fastest and most effective ways to save energy is to seal up leaks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks around windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from coming in.
- Let the sunshine in! Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. At night, be sure to close them to keep the heat from escaping.
- Adjust your thermostat. When you’re home and awake, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, and remember to lower it when you’re asleep or away from home. A smart thermostat can automate this for you, potentially saving you up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills.
- Maintain your heating system. Before the cold weather hits, schedule routine service for your heating system. A clean, well-maintained system runs more efficiently. Remember to also replace your furnace filters monthly to ensure good airflow.
- Check your fireplace. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when a fire is not burning. An open damper is like an open window, allowing warm air to escape right up the chimney. If you do use the fireplace, lower your thermostat to between 50°F and 55°F to account for the extra heat.
- Switch your ceiling fan direction to clockwise. This creates an updraft that circulates warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans sparingly, as they pull warm air out of your home.
- Clear the space around your air vents. Make sure all air vents and registers are not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. Unobstructed vents allow for proper airflow, helping your heating system work more efficiently.
In the Kitchen and Laundry Room
- Optimize appliance temperatures. Set your refrigerator temperature between 36°F and 38°F and your freezer to 0°F. To save energy, wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
- Cook smart. To save energy, use your microwave or stovetop for cooking, as they use less energy than the oven. When using the stovetop, cover pots and pans to retain heat. If you need to use the oven, try to cook multiple items at once to maximize its use.
Lighting and Electronics
- Switch to LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer, saving you money on both energy and replacement costs. You can also save on holiday costs by choosing LED holiday lights.
- Not using your device? Unplug it! Many electronics, even when turned off, continue to draw power. Unplugging unused devices can save you money annually.
For homeowners and commercial customers, NES offers additional ways to manage your electric costs. Consider installing energy-efficient appliances and optimizing the layout of your spaces to reduce energy usage. To help with budgeting, customers can also enroll in Balanced Billing. This feature smooths out the highs and lows of your bill by averaging your annual energy usage, which helps prevent large spikes during cold snaps.For more information on ways to save energy, visit NESPower.com.
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