Lighting - The longer nights result in more lights being used.
- Use timers on exterior lights to limit "on" times.
- Consider using LED lighting on exterior lighting (especially over the holidays).
- Get the whole family involved in turning off lights as they exit rooms.
- Switch your light bulbs over to CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LED (light emitting diodes) - they use 25%-80% energy.
Heating
- Have your furnace inspected to make sure it is running at peak efficiency, as well as operating safely.
- Change out air-filters at least once month to ensure efficient air flow
- Install a programmable thermostat to help control usage. Set the temperature lower during awake hours & while family members are away. (You can save as much as 10% a year on heating by turning the thermostat down 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting)
Drafts - Reduce the heat loss.
- Caulk or use weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
- Seal the air leaks around utility pipes entering the home & gaps around chimneys.
- For older windows consider using a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet over each window to help insulate during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
Use the Sun
- Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the cold coming off the windows.
Ceiling Fans
- Change your ceiling fan rotation to a clockwise rotation during the winter to force warm air downward.
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