Stay Toasty, Save Wisely: Winter Heating Tips
for Clean Energy Awareness Month
As autumn settles in, the days grow noticeably shorter, and the nights are getting colder. Lights will need to be on longer and heating systems will be on throughout the day. Meaning, your energy costs will go up.
October is Energy Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about how to better manage our use and control our costs for heat and electricity. With heating systems kicking into gear and electricity demands rising, it’s a timely opportunity to explore smarter ways to stay warm while keeping costs down. Whether it’s sealing drafts, adjusting thermostats, or switching to energy-efficient appliances, small changes now can lead to big savings all season long.
Here are just a couple of quick, simple, and budget-friendly ways you can save energy and costs in your home!
LIGHTING – SAVE MONEY!
Switch out each of your light bulbs with LEDs. Believe it or not, if you switch them all, you’ll save 10% a year on your electric bill. Plus, they’ll last for a decade or more! LEDs come in various colors and tones to best fit what type of lighting you like in your home.
While we’re talking about lights and the holidays around the corner, consider switching your holiday lights to LEDs too!
DRAFTS – STAY TOASTY!
Do the outside of your doors have a sweep on the bottom? Does each door have one that is in good shape? If not, install them or close that gap with a new one! It greatly reduces the draft that can sneak under the door.
Windows are another common draft spot. Seal them up with weatherstripping — easy to install and effective! If the gaps around the door and window framing cannot be sealed with weatherstripping, you can also use caulking to fill the gaps.
ENERGY AWARENESS – CHOOSE EFFIENCY!
One thing we might not think about is installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads in your kitchen and bath. These reduce the amount of hot water you are using while still providing enough flow to cook, wash, and shower. Not only does this conserve water usage, but it also reduces how much your water heater needs to work and saves you money.
Another thing to look for is foam insulation gaskets inside outlet and light switch plates. First, you’ll want to switch off the power. If they’re in place, are they in good shape? If not, consider replacing them. If there aren’t any, consider installing them to add that extra insulation back into the walls of your home.
Lastly, the simplest tip of all is to remember turning lights the lights off when leaving a room!
For more free energy advice and guidance on no-and-low cost programs, contact your local Energy Advisor at The North Country Clean Energy.
