Stay warm, save energy, and money 

  • For each degree that you lower your thermostat during the winter, you can save approximately 1-2% percent on your heating costs. Lowering the temperature 7-10 degrees for 8 hours per day will save an estimated 10% annually.
  • Wear heavier clothing indoors during cold winter days. Layering clothes helps trap heat near your body so the rest of the house doesn't need to be as warm.
  • Add an extra blanket to your bed.
  • Keep moving! Exercise and activity generate body heat.

 Energy Saving Tips

  • Set and keep the thermostat on a gas or electric heater at 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 degrees at night or when it's unoccupied.
  • Consider a programmable thermostat.
  • If you have a heat pump, set the lower temperature at 63 degrees, since heat pumps are designed to maintain temperatures within a narrower range.
  • Don't close doors or shut off registers in rooms, as this put added strain on the central system.
  • Open drapes and/or shades on sunny days to let in the sun's heat. Close them at night and on a cloudy day.
  • Close the damper and cover the fireplace when not in use. Be sure that any fire has been completely extinguished. 

Portable Space Heaters

  • Using portable space heaters can be costly. Use them only to warm rooms that don't get enough heat or in homes without central heating systems.
  • Turn off portable heaters when the room is unoccupied.
  • If possible, purchase space heaters that sound an alarm or turn off automatically if they are tipped over.
  • Never use propane heaters, hibachis, barbecues, or any heater with an open flame indoors. These heaters produce carbon monoxide, which is a clear, odorless gas that can suffocate humans and animals. 

Water Heaters

  • Wrap the water heater with a water heater blanket to keep heated water warm. * Newer water heaters may have insulation built into the unit - check the owner's manual to determine if additional insulation can be added.
  • Lower the temperature on the water heater to about 120 degrees F. This is sufficient for most household tasks, and it will allow the water heater to save energy. 

Weatherization

  • Weather-stripping and caulking can help keep your home comfortable.
  • Current standards call for at least R-30 insulation in the attic, R-11 in the walls, and R-19 in the floor.
  • Up to 20 percent of the heating or cooling inside a house is lost through the windows. Check the weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows to prevent unwanted leaks. 

Appliances

  • When not in use, turn off lights and appliances.
  • Use appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers only when they are full.
  • Refrigerators typically consume the second most amount of energy in a home (No. 1: the heating/air conditioning system.) Help the refrigerator maintain its efficiency by cleaning the coils at the back or bottom of the unit.
  • When you are ready to replace an appliance, purchase an ENERGY STAR model. ENERGY STAR appliances are between 15 percent and 40 percent more efficient than older models and will save you energy for years to come.
  • Try hanging clothes outside to dry (they will smell better too). 

Home Office

  • When not in use, turn off home office equipment, including computers, monitors, and printers.
  • When you are ready to replace a piece of electronic equipment, purchase an ENERGY STAR model. ENERGY STAR equipment is between 15 percent and 40 percent more efficient than older models and will save you energy for years to come. For more information on ENERGY STAR ratings go to www.energystar.gov.