Low To No Cost Ways to Save Heat and Cut your Energy Bill This Winter
Now more than ever people are looking for ways to save energy and money. The seasonal extremes of summer and winter tend to make people more aware because of their higher energy bills during these times.
There are many common suggestions for improving efficiency and saving at home on energy bills. Upgrades and new installations of energy efficient systems and components are very effective. The cost however may put an added strain on your budget. The challenge is to do both, save heat and cut your energy bill as soon as possible. Below you will find a list of things that will help you save, ways that are less common but effective and do not take much time or money.
>Be Aware
Take notice and modify your own actions and activities that waste energy.
Exit and close doors swiftly to prevent unnecessary loss of heat.
Only use hot water when necessary. A quick on and off of the hot water tap to rinse your hands is wasting energy. It merely displaces hot water from the tank into the pipes and draws cold water into to tank to replace it which then has to heated.
Don’t let the water “run” until hot. Use the initial cold water to brush teeth and rinse the sink. Wash face and shave when the hot water arrives.
Shut off water while brushing teeth, soaping up or grooming.
Showers can be quicker and use less energy and water than a bath, especially if you shut off the water for the soap up time.
Use aerators and flow restrictors help reduce waste and create pressure for effective rinsing.
Educate yourself on your state’s weatherization program on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse’s website.
>Make Adjustments
Use your ceiling fan in the “winter” position which runs the blades in the opposite direction to direct warm air back down. This is the opposite of what you want in the summer when you want the warm air to be lifted leaving the cool air low.
Lowering thermostats to the recommended temperatures for the season will reduce energy usage.
Program your thermostat to make these changes at the recommended time of day.
For laundry and dishes, wash or rinse in cold or warm water when possible
Lower water heater thermostat to recommended temperatures
>Cook Up Savings
Broil or use a microwave when possible as neither require the preheat or length of cook time that baking does.
Minimize the use of exhaust fans as it will siphon heated air out of the house.
>Less Is More
For laundry and dishes, ideally run full loads or adjust load size control.
Use the economical settings if available or use slightly cooler temperatures for wash and dry.
Laundry and dishes will drip dry without additional heat.
>Take Cover
Wear long johns, socks, slippers or a sweater indoors.
Add a blanket to your bed.
Wrap your water heater with an insulation “jacket”.
Add insulation to the attic.
Cover window AC units and attic fans to prevent drafts.
In the winter a sunny southern facing window can provide passive solar warmth.
Close drapes otherwise to maintain temperature.
>Seal The Deal
Use caulk and weather stripping to prevent airflow that siphons off heat from around vents, pipes, doors & windows.
Keep the flue closed when not using your fireplace. Be sure to reopen it prior to lighting a fire.
Limit use of the fireplace as the warm air in your house is drawn up and out the chimney.
Now you have a list of simple and effective ways to save heat and cut your energy bill. Saving heat and energy is the same as saving money. What can you do today to make a difference? The sooner you get started, the sooner you start saving money on your energy bills.
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