These energy savings tips are provided as an information resource, intended to help you manage your energy costs and SAVE!
If you'd like to switch seasons, just go back to:
Click below to view the corresponding savings tip:
Dress warmly even indoors
Put on a sweater and lower your thermostat by 2 degrees and you could save as much as 4 percent on your heating bill.
Rugs
If you throw down a rug, you’ll not only help insulate your floors, but you’ll cut down on the noise too.
Furnace filter alarms
Install a furnace filter alarm on your furnace which will let you know when it is time to change your filters. These alarms will make a whistling sound when they sense that the filters are dirty.
Check filters monthly
Don’t forget to check your furnace filter monthly during the winter months and replace it if it’s dirty. Keeping your furnace properly maintained will reduce energy consumption and could save you up to 5 percent on your heating costs.
Keep air vents clear
Keep supply and return air vents clear of furniture and appliances so your furnace can work more efficiently.
Heat recovery ventilators
Did you know that heat recovery ventilators improve indoor air quality by expelling stale indoor air continuously and using its heat to pre-heat the incoming fresh air? Installing one of these may give you the added savings you’re looking for on your next energy bill.
Avoid heating uninsulated areas
Avoid heating areas that are not insulated, such as a garage, crawlspace, attic or storage sheds.
Wood burning fireplaces
When using your wood-burning fireplace, spilt wood into pieces that are 4-6-inches in diameter. The wood will burn more cleanly with more surface area exposed to the flame.
Check your doors
To check if a door provides good insulation, place your hand against it from the inside. If it feels cooler than the inside walls, it might be time to install a door that’s better insulated. Install fully insulated doors on all entrances to garages, cold storage rooms and uninsulated basements.
Furnace tune-ups
Not ready to replace your furnace? A tune-up can save 3 to 10 percent on your next heating bill. Don’t forget to clean or replace your furnace filter regularly for even more savings.
Insulation
Insulate! Insulate! Insulate! Have a look at your attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure its thickness. If there is less than R-22 (7 inches of fiberglass or rock wool or 6 inches of cellulose) you could probably benefit by adding more. And while you’re up there, consider installing some roof vents and inlets to improve ventilation.
Sheeting windows
Clear plastic sheeting on your windows can add more insulation and reduce icy drafts with minimal effort and minimal cost.
Don't crank up the heat
Tip! Cranking up the heat to warm the house quickly doesn’t work. The house will warm up at the same rate, regardless of the temperature setting.
Chimney's act like open windows
Don’t lose heated air up your chimney! The chimney acts like an open window. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. Otherwise, be sure your damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. Check the seal on the flue damper and make it as snug as possible. Consider installing tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warm air into the room.
Open drapes on sunny days
Open the drapes or blinds on sunny days and bask in the ‘free’ heat. Keep those south-facing windows squeaky clean to let the light through. Remember to close the drapes or blinds when the sun sets.
Humidifiers
Adding a humidifier to your heating system may allow you to turn your thermostat down and be comfortable at lower temperatures. Aquariums and houseplants can add humidity too.
Halogen lighting
Did you know that halogen lighting uses up to 40 percent less energy than traditional bulbs? Halogen lighting is also excellent for gardens and pathways.
Keep garage door tightly closed
During the winter months, don’t forget to keep the garage door tightly closed as much as possible. In doing so, you’ll retain warmer air against the garage-side wall of the house and it will act as a buffer against the colder outdoor air.
Page last modified: February 27, 2006
