Save energy for what matters most.
10 energy-saving tips for the season
When winter temperatures in Alabama drop from our usual low of 35°F to 20°F, your energy use can increase by 50% on any given day. During a cold snap, this could occur for several days, leading to a jump in your bill. We've created a list of energy-saving tips that are simple to do at home. By making a few small changes, you can lower your energy use and save it for what matters most.
Make dinner in the oven.
Did you know that cooking on your stovetop uses more energy than your oven? By switching to delicious oven-based recipes a few times a week, you can lower your energy use in the kitchen and spend more of it gathering ’round the table with family.
Adjust your water heater.
By lowering your water heater’s maximum temperature to 120 degrees, you can still enjoy plenty of hot water and use that extra energy to make the kiddo’s bath time a splash.
Double check your insulation.
Without proper insulation, your heating and air is working overtime to keep your living areas comfortable. Make sure your insulation is in place, so you can rest easy and cozy up to watch your favorite movie.
Keep your garage door shut.
During the winter, heat can escape your home through unsealed windows and open doors. By keeping your garage door shut, you keep the cold out and save energy to welcome friends in for the ultimate game night.
Revisit your thermostat.
By lowering your thermostat just a degree or two, or setting it to 68 degrees before you head out for the day, you can save your heating unit the extra work.
Wash your clothes with cold water.
Most laundry detergents are made to clean your clothes with the same level of precision, whether you use hot or cold water. Stick with the cold setting, and save energy for other things, like folding.
Run your dishwasher at night.
Did you know that running your dishwasher at night is energy efficient? When everything else is powered down, it’s the perfect time to press the start button and save.
Take advantage of sunny days.
By opening all your curtains and blinds during sunny afternoons, you can let the natural light and warmth help heat your home and use the extra energy to roll out that yoga mat.
Throw a rug down.
Looking for easy ways to help keep your house warm on cold winter days? For added insulation, try throwing a rug down in a drafty room and save your pup time in finding the perfect spot to nap.
Set your appliances up for saving.
Did you know the FDA recommends an optimal 37 to 40 degrees for your fridge and 0 degrees for your freezer? Try making those little adjustments and put that energy towards baking your grandmother’s treasured recipe.
This winter, we invite you to save your energy for what matters most to you. Discover how these small changes can impact your electricity bill by using our Daily Energy Usage Tracker. After all, saving energy and money with small habits is always in season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using my fireplace lower my energy bill?
It may surprise you, but fireplaces are not very efficient in heating your home. They actually pull heated air from inside your home and out of the chimney. Consider installing glass doors to help limit the amount of air that gets drawn up and out. Be sure to also clean and maintain your chimneys regularly to prevent fire hazards.
What is the ideal temperature to set my thermostat on during the colder months?
Every family differs in comfort levels, but overall most people are comfortable at a setting of 68-70 degrees. If you are away from home for more than four hours, consider setting it back more to save you money. To ensure you come home to a comfortable setting, consider purchasing a smart programmable thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts accordingly.
Will closing the heat registers in unused rooms save energy or money?
Closing off your heat registers could create pressure on your blower fan to work harder. This could cause harm to your equipment, which could outweigh any savings costs you may incur on your power bill. Not to mention, it can cause more distress on you if your unit goes out when it’s the coldest outside.
Why should I consider investing in a heat pump?
Advanced and efficient in design, a heat pump provides comfort in your home year-round. It provides high-efficiency cooling in the summer, and efficient heating in the winter – all in one unit. And because of how efficient it is, it can result in big savings on your monthly energy bills. Other benefits – it provides an important amplification of temperature that simple heat exchangers cannot do and offers more choices in where to locate your system as it doesn’t require flues.
How much insulation does my home need?
Areas of your home that are separated from unconditioned areas require insulation. A local contractor can help you determine the insulation levels for each area and if you’re meeting the recommended R-Values for ceilings, walls and floors. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Start at the top with your roof and attic before you move to your foundation then walls and floors.
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