It is so easy to leave your home to go out for dinner or work and just keep all of the lights on and your heater running. Have you ever thought about how much money and electricity that you might be saving if you started being a little more energy conscious?
Each of us could be missing out on not only saving and preserving tons of power but also saving hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. All it takes is being a little more energy conscious this winter. Let’s investigate some winter energy efficiency tips so you and your family can save electricity and money throughout the season.
1) Change Your Light Bulbs
With the colder weather coming in, you and your loved ones are probably going to be spending more time indoors. Since that’s going to be the case, one of the projects that you can accomplish together is changing out all of your old, conventional light bulbs. Replace them with CFL or LED bulbs. It may take a while to change out your old lights, but these energy-efficient light bulbs will cost a fraction of what your former filament lights are costing you every year.
2) Set and Program the Thermostat
One of the ways that we waste the most energy during the winter is through heating costs. If you live in a colder part of the country, there is a good chance that you have to run your heat continuously throughout the winter. It is unfortunate that you do just have to let your heater run in the cold weather months, but there is also some good news. By getting a programmable thermostat, or setting your thermostat every time that you leave your house, you can save hundreds of dollars or even thousands this winter.
By using a smart thermostat, you can program your system to adjust the heat when you leave, keeping it cooler so that you can save some energy and some more money.
3) Get More Blankets
Did you know that most people sleep better when they are cooler? In that case, why not keep your house a little colder at night so that you can get more rest and save on energy costs?
Another simple way that you can save money and energy this winter is by layering up at night. Throw some extra blankets and sheets on your bed and cuddle up when you go to bed at night. Also, be sure to turn your thermostat down. You don’t have to freeze yourself out of your home, but knocking the temperature down a few degrees can save a lot of dough and electricity.
4) Caulk the Cracks
When was the last time that you checked to see that your house was sealed from air leaks? This winter would be the perfect time to inspect them. Leaks in your attic, around your doors and your windows can be a significant waste of energy. Take some time to go around your home and identify where the air leaks are coming from and seal up those cracks.
5) Monitor Light Usage
Another way that we can make sure to save money during the winter, or any time of year, is to ensure that you are shutting the lights off when you leave the room. Even with those shiny new LED or CFL bulbs that you installed, you are going to be able to save even more money and energy by making sure that you shut your lights off when you leave a room or when you leave your home.
6) Wear Layers Indoors
Even though it is winter, that doesn’t mean that you have to keep your home blistering hot. In fact, you can save a lot of electricity if you have the house cooler during the day and layer up instead. You can save a lot of money if you keep your house a little bit colder and just wear more clothing, or use a blanket when you are hanging out indoors.
7) Use The Blinds and Shutters
What are you doing with your blinds and shutters during the winter? A simple way that you can save energy during this season is to use natural sunlight to heat your house. During the day, keep your blinds open so that you can use the sunlight to keep your home warmer. At night, closing your curtains can be a great way to keep your heat inside.
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