Save Energy this Winter: Take these Small Steps

$       Lower Your Thermostat.

$       Set Your Thermostat to 65 Degrees (or lower) at Night instead of 70 Degrees.

$       Switch to a Programmable Thermostat so Heat can be Turned Down Automatically at Night or While you are at Work.

$       Get Your Heating System Tuned Up by a Service Professional Annually.

A service professional will know how to keep your heating system running most efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills.

$        Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly or When Dirty. 

$       Keep Doors Leading Outside Closed As Much As Possible.

This will help maintain the warmth in your house by reducing cold air coming inside.

$       Use Window Treatments to Help Keep Your Home Stay Warm.

Curtains and blinds add an extra layer of insulation around your windows.  Closing them at night will help keep the warm air in; opening them during the day will allow the sun to warm your home.

$       Close Your Fireplace Flue when You're Not Using It.

            This will help eliminate drafts and keep the warm air inside your home.

$       Install and Use a Ceiling Fan.

Ceiling fans set at a low-speed in a clockwise direction circulate warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room.

$       Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater. (110 degrees or lower)

$       Switch to Real Time Pricing for Your Electricity. 

See www.thewattspot.com or call 1-877-WattSpot 

$       Monitor Your Energy Use.

Join Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Energy Saver to track your energy use and earn reward points for savings.  Points are redeemable at many national retailers.  See www.cubenergysaver.com. 

$       Get a Home Energy Audit.

        Have a BPI or RESNET certified expert identify your biggest opportunities for improvement before you start investing in expensive items around your home—this can save you thousands of dollars and years of frustration.

$       Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home, Particularly Your Windows, with Caulk or Weather Stripping. 

Install weather stripping to alleviate air leaks around windows and doors located between heated and unheated areas.

·      Air leaks around the window and door trim should be caulked, as well as around cove and baseboard molding on exterior walls.

·      Insulated covers should be installed on electrical outlets and switches located on exterior walls.

·      Plastic film insulation can also be applied on windows and sliding patio doors that won't be used in the winter.

·      If window unit air conditioners cannot be removed, they should be covered with plastic and air leaks sealed with foam rope and removable caulk.

$       Air Seal & Insulate Your Attic.

It's one of the most cost-effective savings measures you can take, and you may be able to do it yourself!  Crawl spaces and walls are other key areas for air sealing and insulation.

$       Upgrade to a High Efficiency Gas Furnace or Boiler.

Replacing your old furnace with a more energy efficiency one can save you hundreds annually. 

Get a rebate for $600 for boilers, $500 for furnaces and $100 for boiler reset controls through November 30, 2012—see http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/home/rebates_residential.aspx.  Federal tax credits may also be available on boilers and furnaces.

$        Insulate Your Exterior Walls. 

This will help to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

$       If you are Having Trouble Paying your Utility Bills, Contact The National Energy Assistance Referral Project.

The National Energy Assistance Referral Project is a free service for people who are interested in applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which may pay a portion of the energy bills of eligible low-income persons.  Call 1-866-674-6327 or email energy@ncat.org.