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 To start using energy more efficiently and lower your costs, try making some of these easy changes in your home:
Reset your programmable thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature to save on heating costs. Wear layers of clothing inside instead of turning up the heat. Replace or clean furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.  Lower your water heater’s maximum temperature — 120 degrees should be sufficient. The energy savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs.
Insulate your water heater pipes. Using pipe insulation available from your local hardware store, insulate the first five feet of pipe coming out of the top of your water heater. If the whole length of exposed pipe between the water heater and the wall is less than five feet, insulate the full length.
Is that Your Air Leaking?
How to Turn $5 into $100s.You can save hundreds of dollars on your power bills with just a few bucks and a little time. For example, did you know 30% to 50% of your electricity bill pays for the energy lost through small holes and cracks in your home? This is known as air leakage – and it’s the biggest cause of heating and cooling loss. Cracks are often found around pipes, door frames and electrical outlets. Fortunately, there is an easy fix to seal them up and save: foam insulation. You can buy a $5 can of foam insulation at your hardware store. With just a little time sealing air leaks, you will cut down on air loss and save money on your monthly energy bill. Give it a try! With at most a $5 investment in your home and no more than two hours, you could save hundreds of dollars on your power bill. Check out our other tips and information on the many easy steps you can take to lower your energy consumption. Other things you can during the fall and winter months to save energy:- Reset your programmable thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature to save on heating costs. Lower the temperature when you go to bed or leave for the day to ensure optimal home heating.
- Lower your water heater’s maximum temperature — 120 degrees should be sufficient. The energy savings are seven-eleven percent of water heating costs.
- Replace regular light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Consider LED lights for outdoor areas, especially for lights you leave on overnight. Switching one CFL can save $40 or more over the lifetime of the bulb and LED lights use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting.
- As you pack up summer clothes and activities for storage, ensure your attic and basement are properly insulated.
- Leaks and drafts cause unnecessary expenses. Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all doors and windows. Also use locks on your windows to make them tighter and draft resistant. According to the Department of Energy, if you reduce drafts in your home you can cut your energy bill by as much as 30%!
- Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to retain heat.
- Have your heating system serviced once a year and regularly replace furnace filters. During the winter months when heating is used most frequently, change or clean furnace filters once a month.
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