Energy saving habits you can do around the home this winter

Now that it’s the cold part of the year, we’re sharing our best ideas for staying warm. Below are our favorites that don’t require spending any (or very much) money at all.

Heat the person, not the room

You’re after comfort, right? Don’t be afraid to wear that cozy sweater at home (and socks!) while following these tips to save energy:

• Use a space heater small enough to move with you from room to room or remember to turn it off when you leave. This type of radiant heat is pleasant and fast. Always use space heaters with a thermostat for safety.
• Throw on the electric blanket at night. This uses a fraction of the energy compared with heating your entire house all night long. Don’t forget to get out the heavier blankets - and flannel sheets, if that’s your style!
• Cover up cold feet. Your whole body can feel cold from just your toes being exposed. A pair of wool socks or your favorite superhero slippers can go a long way to keeping holly and jolly.

Seal it in

Escaping air steals heat faster than anything else in your home. Take half an hour and focus on these locations that might have changed since last year:

• Exterior door frames – Check around and below doors using sunlight and then at night. If you can see daylight or feel cold air moving, replace or carefully add to the weather stripping around your door.
  
• Garage doors – Always keep them closed, and check for gaps or misalignment that could let cold in.
  
• Crawlspace & Basement – Close any vents (the ones in your attic too) and check for any new cracks or holes. Use caulk or a can of spray foam to seal everything up tight.
  

Optimize Appliances

If winter helps you concentrate on efficiency, wonderful! You can keep these habits going all year long:

• Don’t run half-loads in the dishwasher (it uses the same energy and water).
  
• Take hot showers instead of baths. Water heaters are the second-biggest energy use in most homes, and a shower can use 1/10th the water.
  
• Cool hot food on the counter before putting it in the fridge. Your refrigerator is designed to chill room temperature items to below 40°.
  
• While you’re at it, check your fridge temperature setting with a thermometer set in a glass of water. It should read between 37° and 40°, and your freezer should be set at 0°. These settings are recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and will prevent rapid bacterial growth. For bonus points, check both the top and bottom shelves.
  
• Make sure your refrigerator doors seal tight. Shut a piece of paper in the door – if it slides out easily, cold air can too and you should tighten up your seals.
  
• Use drapes and blinds to your advantage. In the day, open them up to let sunshine and warmth in. Then close them after the sun goes down.

Looking for other ways to keep costs down while keeping your home warm? Check out more winter energy-saving tips here.