Winter Energy Saving Tips

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The Furnace 

Heating is by far one of our biggest energy expenses. It cost the average low-income family around $482 a year. So, to save on heating costs:

• Turn Your thermostat down five degrees.  Each degree you lower it saves about 2%. That’s about $48 on a $482 heating bill if you try it all day. Wear a sweater if you’re chilly. And install an automatic thermostat. It will do the work for you.
• Have a professional tune up and inspect your furnace once a year.  This can save you up to 10% on your heating costs.
• If you have forced air heat, clean the filter each month
• If you have hot water or steam heat, check water levels. A furnace dealer can tell you how to add more water. Ask the dealer for more tips to make your system work better.
• Clean the area around your furnace.  That lessens the chance of fire and improves airflow.
• Make sure heat can get into the room.  Keep furniture and drapes from blocking radiators, heating registers and return vents.

Curbing Fireplace Costs:

• Buy “seasoned” wood. That means wood that has been allowed to dry out. Freshly cut wood has too much moisture to burn well.
• Use the dampers. Keep the damper closed when you aren’t using the fireplace.
• Reduce heat loss. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox, slightly open the nearest window, close doors leading to the room with your fireplace, and lower the thermostat to between 50 and 55 degrees when the fire is lit.
• Haven’t used your fireplace in over a year? Call a chimney sweep for an inspection and make all repairs before using it again.

Other Winter Tips:

• Use drapes. Where windows face the sun, keep drapes open in the day, but close all drapes at night. Keeping shades drawn and drapes closed will make the room more comfortable without any increase in energy use. By reducing the chill from cold windows and reducing drafts, you’ll reduce heating costs.
• Repair windows. Even a crack drives fuel bills up. Got a loose window? Install weather stripping. It helps keep cold air out of the house.
• Install storm windows and remember to put them down once winter begins. They improve the comfort of the room and pay for themselves by keeping cold air out.
• Close storm doors.  Seal air leaks by caulking and weather stripping doors. That keeps heat in ¾ and heating costs down.
• Install a programmable thermostat.  Use it to automatically control the heat when you are not home and overnight while you are sleeping. Setting it to turn down the heat when you’re under the covers can cut heating costs.

Last updated October 16, 2020