Save Electricity with These Seasonal Tips!

Our DEC team is so excited for fall to finally begin! It’s the season of cooler days, cozy sweaters, Friday night football — what’s not to love? Most importantly though, it’s also a great time for members to learn about and put to use some seasonal energy-saving tips to help conserve electricity and save money on their monthly bill. One of the simplest ways to start saving is by using the light from the sun to heat your home. During the day, keep curtains drawn, especially on windows that are southern-facing, to allow natural light into your house. At night, you can close the curtains to guard against any evening chill. Another easy way to save is to adjust your thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering thermostats by only a few degrees when you are asleep or away from home can save you up to 10% on your monthly energy costs. When at home, keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable — remember to consider the comfort of any pets you might have as well! For members with heat pumps, it is important to maintain a moderate setting on your thermostat, to ensure your unit continues to operate efficiently. Just as you might caulk or apply weatherstripping around doors and windows in the summer to keep cool air in, check and reapply these items to gaps or holes to prevent warm air from escaping as temperatures begin to drop. Finally, make an appointment to have your home’s HVAC system checked before cooler weather sets in. For more fall energy-saving tips, be sure to visit www.energy.gov today!