When the weather turns cold, it can be tempting to crank up the heat in order to stay warm. However, this will not only lead to wasted energy but will also contribute to higher utility bills and a long term negative impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can save energy and money while also keeping warm, cozy and safe this winter season. We’ve got 6 Winter Energy Saving Tips to help you stop wasting energy and get you through the chilly, cold months ahead…
Check Your Thermostat: Instead of constantly moving the thermostat in order to change the temperature in your home, keep it at a stable temperature of 68 degrees. This is the optimum temperature for keeping warm while also using your home heating system efficiently. If you get a little too cold at this temperature, put on a sweatshirt. If you need to constantly change the temperature to remain warm, then you can likely use the other tips below to help you resolve this issue.
Use a Fan: Most fans come with a special setting that is designed to help push down warm air. Therefore, you should switch your fan into the winter setting so that warm air will be moved low enough for everyone to enjoy its benefits. Unlike the proper setting for the summer, that pulls warm air up, the winter setting pushes warm air down from the ceiling. You should feel the air being pushed downward while you’re near the fan.
Maintain Your Tires: It’s easy to stop wasting gas and staying safe on the road, with this simple tip. During the winter, snow and ice can lead to hazardous conditions. When tires are not properly inflated or treads cannot grip the snow or icy road surfaces, they can decrease your vehicle’s gas mileage and possibly cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to keep tires maintained during the winter by making sure that they have the proper amount of tread and air.
Time Your Warm Up: Many people waste fuel by warming up their car in the morning. If you feel that you must warm-up your vehicle in the morning, then establish a brief warm up period that lasts no longer than three to five minutes. Most modern cars don’t need any warm-up time at all. The best way to save gas in the morning is to start your car and immediately begin driving slowly, then increase your acceleration on the way to your destination.
Program your Thermostat: Modern technology has made it possible to program a thermostat to provide optimum heat during the time that you’re at home. Then, the heat can be turned down while you are not there. Because the house will start to warm up before you get home, you will arrive to a home that is comfortably warm. This is one of the very best winter energy saving tips! You’re energy savings from this one tip can contribute to a substantial reduction in your monthly utility bills.
Keep Cold Air Out: Over time, even the nicest home will need repairs to eliminate holes and cracks in the exterior walls that will enable drafts of cold air to blow in to your house. Simply patching these holes can eliminate a huge amount of energy waste caused by constantly overworking your heating system. Purchase some inexpensive weather stripping, spray foam or door/window draft stoppers at your local hardware store.
Staying warm and safe this winter does not have to mean losing out on energy savings. By implementing a few of these winter energy saving tips with your car and in your home, you can enjoy the winter season while also saving lots of energy and reducing your utility bills.
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