Ways to save electricity in winter
Winter weather typically means increased energy use at home. Help keep your bills in check with these tips to save energy.
- Mind the thermostat. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting that maintains your comfort. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you are awake and a bit lower while you are asleep or out of the house. If you have a heat pump, make sure the thermostat is set to either auto or heat rather than auxiliary/emergency; this will ensure your back-up heat strips only will come on to supplement the heat pump during below-freezing temperatures. Also, avoid bumping up your thermostat more than one or two degrees at a time, or your heat strips will come on to help your home get to temperature quicker.
- Get cozy. Add layers of clothing for additional warmth, and snuggle up under your favorite heavyweight blanket or heated throw.
- Stop or limit use of space heaters. They are not an efficient method of heating large areas for an extended period of time; they are made for heating small spaces, such as a bathroom, for a short period of time. If using space heaters as the only source of heat, each heater could add $150 a month to your electric bill. (If using a space heater outdoors, such as in a well house, only run it when the temperature is below freezing if possible.)
- Don’t block the heat. If your air vents or heating elements are blocked by furniture, heavy curtains or rugs, your home isn’t being adequately heated.
- Take advantage of sunlight. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to block the chilly night air.
- Use your ceiling fan to push warm air back down. Make sure it’s running clockwise to get the most benefit.
- Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
- Install a water heater blanket. They are available for purchase at home improvement stores and are a quick, easy way to reduce your water heater’s heat loss.
- Don't close off rooms. Your ductwork and heat pump or furnace are designed for the square footage you have. Closing the vent and door to a room will put unnecessary pressure on the ductwork, potentially causing leaks, and make your unit work harder.