These smart ways to use energy are helping the people of the Northwest save record levels of energy and lower their energy bills. The more of these low and no-cost tips you do, the more you'll save.
1. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower while you're at home, and then turn it lower while you're asleep or away from home. With an 8-10 degree reduction for 8-10 hours per day, you can save 15-25% on the heating portion of your bill. If you have or put in a programmable electronic thermostat, you can set it to be energy efficient automatically. NOTE: Heat pumps are an exception, so turn these down 3-5 degrees, and install a lockout thermostat.
2. Clean furnace filters monthly during the heating season and replace as needed. Forced-air furnace filters trap dirt and dust, clean the air you breathe, and help the furnace operate more safely and efficiently.
3. Close curtains and blinds at night to keep more heat inside, and open them during the day to let sunlight and heat in.
4. Keep heating vents unobstructed. Check registers to make sure that they're not blocked by furniture or other stuff.
5. Keep your wall and baseboard heaters clean and clear of obstructions so the heat can circulate.
6. Heat only the area where you are by using a portable heater, and let the rest of the house stay at a lower temperature.
7. Dress for the season, and use sweaters and extra blankets when it's cool outside. Encourage family members to dress warmly.
8. Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and incoming pipes and wiring. For small cracks, use caulking; for larger openings, use a can of expanding spray foam. Add weatherstripping and door sweeps to doors, and replace weatherstripping as it wears out. Install foam gaskets behind covers for electrical outlets and light switches.
9. Properly insulate your attic, walls, floor, and heat ducts. When it's cold outside, you need more insulation, and so does your house. Consult EWEB's Energy Management Services department to determine the appropriate amounts of insulation for your home.
10. Have heating ducts checked for leaks. Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 30 percent. EWEB has a duct-sealing program with free testing and financing.
11. Before winter weather arrives, place covers over the vents in your home's foundation. In cold weather, these will block cold air from flowing in under your house and help prevent water pipes from freezing. Remove vent covers in the spring to prevent moisture build-up.
12. When a fireplace is not in use, close the flue damper and fireplace glass doors. Chimneys are designed to suck warm air and smoke out of your house, so fireplaces are best for ambiance, not heating.
13. Install a chimney pillow in the flue of seldom or unused fireplaces. These are plastic pillows that are inflated to fill the chimney and block warm air from leaving. Always remove the pillow before starting a fire. Chimney pillows can be obtained from fireplace dealers and online.
For more tips, advice, and information about heating and energy efficiency, rely on the energy experts at EWEB. We also offer rebates and loans for energy efficiency improvements to your home or business.
