Energy Efficiency

Winter is coming! And with it comes the desire to crank up the heat in your home, curl up under warm blankets, and sip hot chocolate while safely protected from the freezing temperatures that come with a “Michigan winter.” It’s easy to increase your energy use in the winter without even realizing it, which has negative environmental and financial consequences.

These tips on how to be energy efficient during the winter can be really helpful in keeping that energy bill low!

  • Cover up: Instead of turning up the heat, use blankets and warm sweaters to stay warm.
  • Solar power: Open your curtains and blinds during the day when you’re home to allow the sun to warm your residence naturally. Close them at night to decrease drafts that can come in through cold windows and doors.
  • Temperature control: Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are home, but when you’re out of the house or sleeping, turn it back 10 or 15 degrees for eight hours. This will save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills!
  • LED lights: Using LED bulbs will earn you savings while allowing you to illuminate your home!
  • Energy.gov: Visit www.energy.gov for more tips on being energy efficient year-round!

 

Contributed by Gaby Vasquez