Wait–don’t crank the heat! Since heating and cooling account for nearly half of your annual energy bills, it pays to be strategic about temperature control. You can keep your home warm without overspending by implementing a few key measures. NES suggests setting your thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and lower when you’re away or asleep. Maximize warmth naturally by utilizing passive solar heat–open curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun warm your space, and close them at night for insulation. You can further heat circulation by running ceiling fans clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down.
To reduce overall household energy consumption, pay attention to appliances and electronics. Devices like computers, TVs and cooking equipment are responsible for a large portion of residential energy use. Be sure to turn electronics off when not in use or set them to low-power mode. For large appliances, opt to wash laundry in cold water, run only full loads in dishwashers and consider purchasing Energy Star rated products when replacing items. Also, upgrading your lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs and remembering to turn lights off will significantly reduce your electricity bill.
Ensure your home is well-sealed and your heating system is maintained. Sealing air leaks around doors, windows and other openings prevents heat loss—inspect and apply weatherstripping or caulk as needed. Keeping fireplace dampers closed when not in use is also crucial. For your heating equipment, change your furnace and heat pump filters every few months to ensure they run efficiently, clear furniture away from vents and schedule an annual HVAC tune-up. Even small adjustments like lowering your water heater temperature to 120°F can help save money on heating bills throughout the winter.
Winter Bill-Saving Checklist
- Thermostat: Set temperature to 68°F when home, lower it when sleeping or away. Consider using a smart thermostat.
- Natural Heat: Open curtains/blinds during the day for passive solar warmth, close them at night for insulation.
- Air Circulation: Run ceiling fans clockwise at a low speed to redistribute warm air.
- Appliance Use: Use cold water for laundry, run only full loads in dishwashers/washing machines and opt for Energy Star products.
- Electronics: Turn off or use low-power mode for electronics when not in use, utilize smart plugs/surge protectors.
- Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Seal Leaks: Apply weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors and utility openings to prevent heat loss. Keep fireplace dampers closed.
- System Maintenance: Replace HVAC filters regularly, ensure vents are clear and schedule an annual professional tune-up.
- Water Heater: Lower the water heater temperature to 120°F if suitable for your household.
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