Winter Energy Efficiency Tips

With winter once again upon us, now is a great time to consider some simple changes and upgrades that can help you save money on your utility bills, and increase the energy efficiency of your home.

You don't have to invest big money to create energy efficiency in your home - small changes to your daily habits can have a big impact:

• Get, and set, a programmable thermostat. Keeping your house a few degrees cooler when nobody is home, or when everyone is sleeping, will save power and gas.
• Install motion lights to ensure you have light when you need it, and aren't wasting energy when you don't.
• Minimize use of space heaters. Repairing drafty windows and doors can eliminate the need and save money in the long run.
• Use timers on Christmas lights and other outdoor lights to ensure they aren't accidentally left on overnight or during the day.
• If you are headed out of town for an extended period, turn down your thermostat and unplug unnecessary appliances, many of them consume power even when not in use.
• Replace your furnace filter regularly. Your furnace requires more energy to push air through a clogged, dirty filter.