It is about that time of year again! It always seems to creep up on us faster than we would like. The days are getting shorter, colder and sometimes more expensive. However, they don’t have to be as expensive this year. There are a few things you can do this winter to cut your energy costs.
- Unplug everything
Don’t leave your electronics on standby or plugged in. You can not only cut your energy bill this winter, but all year round by doing this.
- Heat the rooms you use
Close off, or even seal, the vents in the rooms you do not use.
- Minimize the use of a few things
Try cutting down on the time you use things everyday such as hairdryers, kettles, and irons.
- Get a humidifier
Moist air feels warmer as well as holds heat better.
- Bundle up
Instead of increasing the temperature on your thermostat, increase your layers! Wear a sweater and some fuzzy socks while walking around the house. Also add an area rug to insulate the floor in your living room.
- Only use exhaust fans when absolutely necessary
Exhaust fans pull the heat out of your home making your heater work harder.
- Use your ceiling fans
Switch the fans to move clockwise and set them on a low setting to push the hot air back down.
- Use the sun to your advantage
Open the curtains during the day and close them at night to trap that free heat inside your home
- Lower the temperature on your water heater
For every 10-degree reduction you save 3-5 percent in energy costs.
- Keep your furnace clean
Change your furnace filter clean and free of blockages. Check it every month!
These few tips seem obvious, however, most people just never get around to doing them once the winter months arrive. Make sure to utilize these few tips so that you won’t regret it when the bills roll in. Read more about cutting your energy cost here. Have fun and stay warm!