With a list of course! Here are a few simple things you can do around your home to help keep energy costs in check saving money on your utilities:
- Use the sun as a heating and lighting source
- By opening window shades in the daytime you allow the sun to naturally warm your home and you will use less artificial lighting
- Be sure to close the shades at night to hold in the heat.
- Home heating
- Setting your thermostat 1° lower can save about 2% on your bill. Dropping it 5° means approximately 10% in savings.
- Make sure your furnace has been checked for safety and also for maximum efficiency.
- If you have any floor or low-wall vents for your heating and air system, make sure they aren’t being blocked by furniture.
- Cooking and baking
- If you are using the oven, keep the door cracked open when done to let the heat out and help warm the kitchen. Make sure the oven is OFF!
- Water heaters
- Turn your water heater down by one notch on the dial. By lowering the temperature less gas is used to keep the stored water hot.
- Turn your water heater down by one notch on the dial. By lowering the temperature less gas is used to keep the stored water hot.
- Ceiling fans
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans for winter to clockwise to push the heat down into the room.
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans for winter to clockwise to push the heat down into the room.
- Check for drafts
- Weather stripping around doors and windows should be tight to prevent air leaks.
- Fireplace flues should be inspected for safety and for air leakage, make sure the flue is closed when not in use.
