Maybe North Carolina doesn’t have to worry about blizzards like Minnesota or North Dakota does, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get cold around here. Through the winter, heaters are churning, jackets are out, and chimneys are smoking in an effort to keep everyone warm.
As a result, energy costs can go up in the winter, right when you could really use a break on your expenses. Check out these tips on how to use less energy while trying to stay warm this winter and lower your costs as a result.
- Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees or as cold as you can stand it. When your home is empty and at night when you go to bed, turn it down a few more degrees.
- Wear warmer clothes when you’re home like sweaters and thick socks so you can keep the thermostat lower.
- Close off rooms you’re not using, including the vents, to heat less of your home.
- Keep curtains and drapes closed until the sun hits the window. Open them to let the light and heat in. Close the curtains again as the sun moves.
- Seal up cracks and leaks around windows and doors with caulk. For older, drafty windows, cover them in plastic to keep out the cold air.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees, unless you have a dishwasher that requires a higher setting.
- Replace or clean your heating unit’s filters every 30 to 90 days.
- Turn your ceiling fans clockwise so the warm air from the heater can be circulated. You won’t have to set your heater as high as a result.
- If you use your fireplace, keep the damper closed between uses.
- Have your heating system serviced regularly. This will catch any inefficiencies or problems that can increase your energy costs or lead to big and expensive repairs.
- When you upgrade your HVAC, go for the most energy efficient system you can afford. The savings in your energy costs will likely be dramatic.
Drastic changes in temperatures don’t have to mean drastic changes in your heating costs. With a few changes, you can keep yourself warm and your costs low this winter.