Fall/Winter Energy Saving Tips

As the weather turns colder this fall, now is a great time to think about reducing energy consumption and preparing for winter. Here are a few quick tips to consider:

1. Take advantage of heat from the sun. Open curtains/blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home.
2. Lower the thermostat when you are away from the house or asleep. Don’t waste energy on heating your house when you aren’t at home! Programmable thermostats are an easy way to make sure you don’t forget to turn down the temperature, but even conventional thermostats can be easily adjusted.
3. Find and seal leaks around air vents, windows, and doors. Make sure caulking and weather stripping are in good condition to ensure you don’t lose heat through drafty windows and doors.
4. Maintain your heating systems. Regular maintenance, including replacing filters regularly, ensure your furnace operates efficiently.
5. Minimize heat loss through your fireplace. Remember to close dampers when the fireplace is not in use. Leaving the damper open is just like having an open window.
6. Adjust your water heater temperature. Many homes have their water heater temperature turned unnecessarily high. Try lowering your water heater temperature to the “warm” setting (120F). You’ll save energy and avoid scalding!

Got any other tips? Share using the comment section below!