Energy-Saving Tips for Winter

An El Niño weather pattern is expected this winter, which could bring severe weather to many parts of the country. But cranking up the heat can be a fast-track to high energy bills. After all, heating and cooling account for nearly half of annual energy bills for the average American household, according to Energy Star. So, before you set that thermostat too high, check out these winter energy-saving tips to help keep your home toasty without breaking the bank. Many of these tips can help you save money and use less energy all year long.

1. Lower the Temperature on Your Thermostat

Steps to take:

• Set your thermostat to a low setting that’s still comfortable for everyone in your home.
• Keep your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal when you’re asleep or out of the house.
• Ensure your thermostat is in a high-traffic area inside your home and away from areas with temperature extremes, such as near exterior doors, so it can accurately read the temperature. Depending on your thermostat, you can move it yourself or call an HVAC professional for help if needed.
• Consider investing in a smart thermostat to set a schedule and more easily monitor your home’s energy usage.
• Consider using small space heaters when you only need to heat a small part of your home.

2. Take Advantage of Natural Heat

Steps to take:

• Open your curtains or blinds during the day to let in the natural heat from the sun.
• Close curtains or blinds at night to help insulate heat.
• Invest in thermal-insulated curtains to help keep warm air from escaping through windows.
• Have ceiling fans rotate clockwise at low speed to redistribute heat and prevent drafts. This pulls cool air up moving warmer air throughout the room.
• Avoid planting evergreen trees south of your home, where they can block out the sun during the winter.

3. Monitor Energy Usage for Electronics

Steps to take:

• Set electronics and appliances to low-power or power-saving mode to reduce energy consumption.
• Turn electronics off when not in use. If electronics need to be on constantly, set to low-power mode when you’re not using.
• Unplug devices when you’re away from home, especially when leaving for multiple days.
• Plug small electronics into surge protectors or smart plugs to easily turn them off and on.

4. Upgrade Lighting and Lightbulbs

Steps to take:

• Turn off lights when you’re not using them.
• Replace lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL light bulbs.
• Invest in smart bulbs to put lights on a schedule, monitor usage and easily adjust brightness.
• Use energy-efficient holiday lights and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when stringing multiple strands together.

5. Prioritize Energy-Efficient Choices for Large Appliances

Steps to take:

• Wash laundry in cold water and reduce the electricity needed to warm the water when possible.
• Load washing machines and dishwashers with full loads—but don’t overfill—to maximize energy usage.
• Keep the oven door closed while food is cooking. The heat loss can result in more energy needed to heat the oven.
• Use smaller appliances when possible. For example, a slow cooker instead of oven, or air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
• When it’s time to replace your appliance, shop for energy-efficient products.

6. Seal Up Air Leaks

Steps to take:

• Do a visual air leak inspection for signs of leaks.
  • gaps or cracks in existing caulking and weatherstripping
  • light shining through door and window frames.
• Schedule a professional to do a full inspection around the house if you suspect leaks in multiple areas of your home.
• Weatherstrip doors and windows with noticeable drafts and replace old weatherstripping as needed.
• Research DIY window insulation kits. These can help insulate your windows while still letting in the sunshine.
• Check the attic and basement.
  • You can use foam or caulk for small heat leaks, but you may need to call a professional for larger leaks.
• Investigate other common spots such as light fixtures, outlets, air conditioning units, utility cupboards for cracks or gaps.
• Insulate pipes to lessen heat loss, help your water heat up faster and prevent burst pipes.
• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use to avoid inviting in cold air. If you don’t use your chimney, seal the chimney flue.
• Lay down rugs on bare floors to help insulate them.
• Schedule a professional inspection if you notice cold air coming through your exhaust fans.

7. Inspect Home Heating Systems

Steps to take:

• Replace furnace and heat pump filters. This will keep them running efficiently and ensure they’re clean from pollutants.
• Ensure furniture and curtains are not blocking vents and obstructing airflow.
• Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system if you haven’t had one this year or have issues.
  • Common signs can include loud banging or clanking noises, a strong smell or airflow that feels different than normal.
• Arrange for a chimney cleaning if you haven’t already scheduled one this year or if you’ve noticed significant build-up.
• Flush your hot water heater if you haven’t already this year to minimize sediment buildup and help it run more efficiently.
• Consider lowering your water heater temperature to 120* F if it’s suitable for your household.
  • Water heaters maintain a set temperature all day and continuously cycle on and off
• Investigate if your water heater is a good candidate for insulation. If your water heater’s R-value is at least 24 (found on its label) or it feels hot when you touch it, it may benefit from insulation. Check with your utility company and local codes first to see if this is permitted and if your utility company can help with installation.

8. Do a Home Energy Assessment

Steps to take:

• Download an electricity app to monitor your household’s energy consumption.
• Make a list of potential issues in your home to keep top of mind during the assessment.
  • rooms with drastically different temperatures or drafty windows and doors.
• Review your energy bills to help identify relevant information.
  • This can include peak usage time in your home, changes in usage between bills and potential causes for spikes or dips (like if you’re housing relatives during the holidays or recently replaced old appliances).
• Schedule an inspection as early in the season as possible (if needed) to avoid potential construction or renovation during the winter.
  • You can find qualified auditors through the Residential Energy Services Network, your energy company or the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score Program.