Low-Cost Tips to Save Energy

Winter is definitely here!  Temperatures have dropped and heating bills are rising.  Even though the cost of oil is back down to a reasonable level, we are all working to save energy in our homes and money in our wallets!

 If you haven't already, conduct an energy audit to find out where you can save the most.  This is something you can do on your own or you can hire a professional to do a more extensive audit for you.  In any case, there are simple, low-cost things you can do to reduce your energy costs and there will be other items you'll want to consider making a larger future investment in for long-term energy savings.  Here are some things you can do now...

Take advantage of heat from the sun.  During the day, open curtains on windows with southern exposure to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home.  Be sure to close curtains at night to reduce the chill you may feel from your windows.

Cover drafty windows.  Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a wooden frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames.  Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly.  You can also install tight fitting or insulating window treatments to help keep the cold air out.

Adjust the temperature.  When you're home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable; when you're asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees.  Installing a programmable thermostat is a great idea!

Find and seal leaks.  Seal air leaks around utility cut-through for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.  Ass caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Reduce heat loss from the fireplace.  If you have a fireplace, keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.  Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.  If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

Maintain your heating systems.  Schedule a cleaning for your heating system to keep it operating efficiently.  If you have a furnace, make sure your furnace filter is replaced regularly.  If you have a wood or pellet-burning stove, clean the flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance periodically to ensure that you home is heated efficiently.

Lower water heating costs.  Water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.  Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees).

For more information on Energy Audits and for more energy saving tips, visit energysavers.gov.

source: www.energysavers.com