While we’re all adjusting to falling back, here are a few great (and green) ways to reduce winter-related energy use at home, and an awesome way to kick-off the start to your November!
1. Reprogram—set your thermostat to 68 (or lower) when not at home and remember: turning the heat down by ten degrees for an eight hour stretch reduces your heating bill cost by 15 percent!
2. Give Good Light—with darker hours on the horizon we’ll all be hitting the on switch a lot more often. Swap out your old incandescent bulbs for CFL’s and save an average of $7 per year, per bulb!
3. Bring Nature In—just because there’s frost on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t keep (or start) your garden. You’ll reap the benefits of growing your own fruits and veggies as prices in stores increase over the winter months. Plus your own produce will be jam packed with vitamins and nutrients since they’re literally coming from “farm to table”.
4. Free For All—utilize free heating! Keep east-facing curtains and blinds drawn during the day so the natural heat pours into your home. After sunset, draw heavily insulated drapes closed to keep the cold out.
5. Don’t Be Idle—with your car that is. Letting your car run for more than 30 seconds not only wastes fuel, it also strains your cylinders, spark plugs, exhaust system, and engine. Driving those first few miles a little colder than you’d like will save you (and the environment) a lot in the long run.
Have additional tips for the cold months ahead? Share them with us below!
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