Save in the Winter

Tips

• When using your fireplace, turn down your thermostat. When you’re not using it, close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney.
• Rethink your fireplace. Although a crackling fire in the fireplace can make a room appear to be warm and cozy, fireplaces are often a deterrent to energy efficiency because a lot of the heated air escapes up the chimney. A fireplace designed to provide heat eliminates this problem through a draft that supplies the fire with outside air rather than air from the room.
• Open your drapes or blinds to take advantage of the sun’s rays during the day to help heat your home. Close them on the shaded side of the house and at night.
• During the winter, keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees or lower when you are home, health permitting.  Each degree below 68 represents approximately 3 to 5% savings on heating costs.  Lowering the temperature by setting an additional 3 to 5 degrees while you are away can help save even more.
• Caulk gaps and cracks around drafty doorframes and windows to prevent cold air from entering your home.
• Wrap older water heaters with an insulating jacket or blanket to minimize excess heat loss. Remember to leave the air intake and exhaust vents uncovered on gas models.
• Minimize the use of electric space heaters and turn them off when you leave the room. Buy models that are thermostatically controlled.
• Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t in use.
• While sleeping, turn down the thermostat and add an extra blanket for warmth.
• The ceiling fan direction in winter should be clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.
• Keep your garage door down.  A warmer garage in the winter will save energy.

Winter Energy Savings Video Playlist