According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save about 10 percent per year on your heating bills by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for the eight hours.
1. Invest in flannel sheets and a warm comforter for your bed and keeping your home cooler when you sleep. Only heat the rooms you use. If you have rooms that you never use, like guest rooms or large storage areas, close and seal off the vents in those rooms to be more energy efficient and direct the flow of air to the rooms you use most.
2. Have your furnace yearly maintained. Keep your furnace clean and unblocked. Keeping your furnace and vents properly maintained will reduce energy consumption and help you save. Check your furnace filter monthly, and replace it when it gets dirty. Keep your furnace clean and unblocked.
3. The air inside your home could become dry. Running a humidifier helps put moisture in the air. Moist air feels warmer and holds heat better.
4. Use exhaust fans when necessary. Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom pull the hot air that rises to the ceiling out of your home. Use exhaust fans sparingly, and shut them off when you are done with them
5. Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better airflow: counter-clockwise will push hot air up in the summer and clockwise will trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer during cooler months. Turn your ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
6. A few tips will help you maximize the benefits of solar heating. Regularly clean south-facing windows. Dirt reduces the amount of energy the windows can absorb. Ensure that nothing is blocking sunlight from the concrete slab floors or heat-absorbing walls. Use insulating draperies on south-facing windows to reduce heat loss during the night and during cloudy weather.
7. Silicone caulk gaps where air can enter or escape your home.
8. Make sure that your insulation is adequate. Use weather-stripping around windows and doors. Removable insulation is available for use on doors and windows at night and during cloudy weather to hold on to heat.
9. Adding more attic insulation is always a plus.
10. Replace shower heads with water conservation shower heads. Shut off water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
11. Buy energy saving appliances. A gas dryer is more efficient than an electric dryer.
12. Thoughtful landscape placement is a must. Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and vines on the east and west sides of your house for cooling purposes. Place evergreen foliage on the north side to block winter winds.
Making some easy adjustments in your home can dramatically reduce how much you spend on energy especially in extreme temperatures.
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