Brrrrrrr. Winter is creeping up fast! I am sure several people have already had to scrape the windows of their cars in the mornings before work. With the colder temperatures, come higher energy costs. The days of inexpensive monthly bills are quickly becoming a thing of the past. However, with these few tips, you may be able to lessen your cost. Every little bit counts.
Drafts
That cold air outside is very sneaky! It likes to creep in through the smallest spaces to enjoy the warm and cozy atmosphere of your home. The best way to make sure that you home is uninviting for cold air, try to block off these areas with any material that can act as a shield. This can even be an extra blanket or towel. These drafty areas can be a real problem because they can give your thermostat false reading.
Ceiling Fans
Most people do not know that ceiling fans have 2 different directions: clockwise and counter-clockwise. When the fan is rotating counter-clockwise, it creates a breeze that can be cooling for the summer months. As most of us know, hot air rises. That would be a useful fact should we spend our time at home on the ceiling. When the fan direction is changed to rotate clockwise, this pushes the warm air back down to the center and lower levels of the room....thus keeping us warm.
Water Heater Temperatures
Typically, when a water heater is installed in your home, the installer sets the temperature to a standard of 140 degrees F. However, most people do not bathe/shower at that high of a temperature. Simply lowering the temperature setting on your water heater from 140 degrees F to 120 degrees F, can save you up to 6% on your energy costs.
Storm Doors & Windows
Installing storm doors and windows can be very useful when trying to keep that pesky cold air out. These can act as your first line of defense. If installed properly with effective seals, these storm doors and windows can create a noticeable difference in energy costs as well as in-home temperature.
Grab a Blanket
If there were ay time of year that calls for a blanket or sweater, the winter months are them. When there is a chill in the air, instead of cranking up that thermostat temperature, why not just grab your favorite sweater or blanket to keep toasty? The best part of this energy preservation tactic......it's FREE!!!
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