How to Make Saving Energy Easy This Winter

Winter isn’t here yet…but cooler temperatures are upon us. And, you don’t have to wear 5 layers of clothing and lie under 3 blankets, terrified to come out to the cold in your own home to save on your heating bill.

That’s right. You don’t need to torture yourself or make yourself miserable in any way.

You can do simple things which don’t require great effort. And ones that don’t even require you to get even a little bit uncomfortable.

Here’s what to do:

1. Switch the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan

Hot air rises. Unless you have a bunk bed you plan on spending most of this winter in, you can’t naturally take advantage of that hot air.

However, you can make a minor adjustment and flip the switch on your ceiling fan so it spins clockwise. This pushes that hot air down by you, so you feel more comfortable.

You feel less of a need to raise the thermostat. And boom, there’s your savings!

2. Let the Sun Help You Out

You still get some daylight hours during the winter. So use them to your advantage. Raise the blinds on the east, south, and west sides of your home so the sun can shine in.

The sun heats up your home. You rely on your furnace less. And you pocket more savings.

3. Do Easy Weatherproofing on Your Windows

You can upgrade your windows to storm windows, but that costs a big chunk of change. You can also cover your windows with a clear plastic film.

That helps you save around 14% on your heating bill. Make sure you don’t forget your sliding doors also!

4. Kick Your Space Heater to the Curb

Look, your space heater is an energy savings thief. View it as the enemy. If you simply won’t part with your space heater, at least only use it in common areas of your home.

The one time where it can help you save energy is if you turn off your furnace entirely and only use your space heater. You may be able to swing that in cool, but not bone-chilling temperatures.

As an alternative to your space heater, you can dress with additional layers of clothing until you find yourself comfortable.

Just be aware that for every degree you drop your thermostat between 60 and 70, you save about 5% on your heating bill.

5. Don’t Use Bathroom or Kitchen Exhaust Fans Any More Than You Have To

Sometimes, you have to vent unpleasant odors or smoke and grease. Use your exhaust fans when necessary.

At the same time, be aware that they’re subtle energy savings thieves. Remember that you ventilate heat out when you run these exhaust fans also.

So yes, you can save energy this winter without sacrificing your own personal comfort or going to any real great lengths.

And now you know exactly how!