Winter Energy Saving Tips 

• Install a programmable thermostat. Use it to automatically control the heat when you are not home and overnight while you are sleeping.
• Check if cold air is getting into your house. If your house is drafty, you may need additional insulation. Contact your local weatherization program, state energy office, or utility company to see if they perform energy audits.
• Use drapes. Where windows face the sun, keep the drapes open in the day but close all the drapes at night. Keeping the drapes closed will reduce drafts and you’ll reduce heating costs.
• Repair windows. Even a crack drives fuel bills up. Got a loose window? Install weather-stripping. It helps keep cold air out of the house.
• Install storm windows. And remember to put them down once winter begins. They pay for themselves by keeping cold air out and preventing moisture from collecting on the windows.
• Close storm doors. Seal air leaks by caulking and weather-stripping doors.
• Curb fireplace costs. Call a professional chimney sweep to perform your annual fireplace inspection.
• If you have a crawl space under your home, close the foundation vents in the winter.
• Turn your thermostat down five degrees. Each degree saves about 2% on your heating bill. So that’s about $50 on a $500 heating bill. If you install an automatic thermostat, it will do the work for you.
• Have a professional tune up and inspect your furnace. An oil-burning furnace should be checked once a year, a gas-burning furnace every two or three years.. This can save you up to 10% on your heating costs.
• If you have a warm-air furnace or heat pump, check the filter each month. Clean or replace the filters as needed.
• If you have hot water or steam heat, check water levels. A furnace dealer can tell you how to add more water. Ask the dealer for more tips to make your system work better.
• Clear the area around your furnace. This lessons the chance of fire and improves airflow.
• Make sure heat can get into the room. Keep furniture and drapes from blocking radiators, heating registers, and return vents.
• Never use the stove to heat your home! It is expensive and very dangerous.