Top 10 Winter Energy Saving Tips

Winter is here, and the heating bill is skyrocketing. Here are a few energy saving tips that could save you a few bucks:

• 1. Use a programmable thermostat: It lets you lower temperatures during the day when no one is home, which allows you to:
• 2. Turn down the thermostat: Dropping the thermostat to 68 degrees from the normal 72 to 75 degrees will save between 5 to 20 percent. If using oil or natural gas, dropping the thermostat to 55 at night will save another 5 to 20 percent.
• 3. Clean or replace furnace filter at least once a season: Dirty filters restrict air flow and increase energy use.
• 4.Get a tune-up: A service tune-up before the heating season begins will save up to 5 percent.
• 5. Reduce hot water temperature: Setting the hot water temperature to 120 degrees will save 7 to 11 percent. Check dishwasher setting to make sure this meets requirements.
• 6. Insulate hot water pipes: Especially the ones coming out of the water heater. This will decrease the amount of time water needs to run before it gets warm. This will save on water and heating bills.
• 7. Seal up leaks: Caulk and foam, available at home improvement stores, will fill gaps around doors and windows that could be letting cold air rush inside.
• 8. Open those drapes: Let the sunshine do some of the work and allow it to heat your house, for free. Close them back up at night to help insulate.
• 9. Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use: An open fireplace is like keeping a door open; it will allow cold air to come in, and warm air to escape.
• 10. Turn off the light: Be sure to turn lights off in rooms that are not in use. Unplug appliances, like extra refrigerators and freezers, and electronics that are not used anymore.

 Source: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter.html