Warm Winter Energy Saving Tips

Winter means colder whether and often more rain here in Texas, driving your heater to worker more and forcing your activities indoors. Whether you rent your home or own, we have tips and tricks to help keep your utility bills low. 

Try these tips at home!

• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in the winter. 
  • Each degree higher uses 3% more energy.
• Lower your thermostat when you leave home. 
  • You’ll use much less energy to heat the house while you are away.
• Let someone else pay the energy bills. 
  • Go to a library, shopping center or community center and take advantage of climate-controlled activities away from home.
• Install LED light bulbs. 
  • LEDs use 90% less electricity, generate less heat, and last 10-25 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, and five times longer than Compact Florescent Light bulbs (CFLs).
• Let the sun shine in. 
  • Open curtains and shades on eastern and southern windows during the day to let in more heat, then close them in the evening.
• Add insulation to water heaters and hot water pipes to save energy and money. 
  • This is inexpensive and easy.
• Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors. 
  • This simple and inexpensive improvement prevents drafts.
• Clean or change air filters monthly. 
  • Dirty filters make your system work longer than necessary
• Cover exhaust fans when not in use. 
  • An open kitchen exhaust fan allows cold outside air to come into your home. Low-cost covers are available to cover exhaust fan openings.
• Unplug appliances and electronic devices when you are not using them. 
  • They use energy even when they are turned off. Turn off your lights when you leave home.
• Switch the fans. 
  • Switch the setting on ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This gentle updraft helps push warm air near the ceiling down into your living space.
• Maintain your fireplace. 
  • When not in use, make sure your fireplace damper is closed to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.
• Save energy in the kitchen. 
  • Energy use in the kitchen can account for as much as 15% of your electric bill. Give your oven and wallet a break by using the oven light to check on the food instead of opening the door. Use a slow cooker or microwave oven to save energy.