Bedford– Two things are certain in the winter: Christmas, and higher energy bills. There can be many factors at play when it comes to keeping heating costs as low as possible, from leaky windows to an inefficient HVAC unit.
“Energy efficiency is always a good idea, particularly during extreme temperatures like those forecasted for Indiana this weekend and into next week,” said Angeline Protegere with Duke Energy. “Energy efficiency saves customers money and also has environmental benefits,” she continued.
The following pro tips will save money and energy while staying comfortable during the cold winter months. Many of these tips can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter.
Take advantage of the sun’s warmth
- Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
- Be certain to plant deciduous trees on the south-facing side of the home, especially near windows. They will let the light and warmth in the windows during the winter and shade the windows in the summer.
Cover energy-inefficient windows
- Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Ensure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
Adjust your thermostat
- When you are home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable.
- When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. Make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets.
- If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
Find and seal leaks
- Seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
- Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Keep up with maintenance
- Schedule routine service for home heating systems.
- Replace furnace and heat pump filters once a month or as needed. Find out more about maintaining furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.
- Regularly clean the flue vent of wood and pellet burning heaters and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically, to ensure that it is heating efficiently.
Adjust your water heater
- Keep the water heater’s temperature to the warm setting (120°F). This will not only save energy, it will also help avoid scalding.
For more from Duke Energy on how to save this winter click here.
