Energy Savings Tips - Winter Edition
When the winter chill sets in for good, homeowners can start to see increased energy bills. Explore tips that can help keep you warm and lower those costs below.
Energy Savings Tips
Ceiling Fan Direction Matters
Clockwise or counter-clockwise? There is often confusion on which way to run your fans. In the winter months, your fan should run in reverse (clockwise) at a low speed. This will gently draw the cool air up towards the ceiling and force the warm air down and out towards the walls.
Did you know?
Even at high speed, a ceiling fan typically uses less energy than a 100 watt light bulb - and less than a 25 watt bulb at low speed. And some are able to use LEDs for even greater savings.
When to Open those Blinds
Opening your blinds at the right time saves energy. On sunny winter days, sunlight allowed to shine through windows helps to heat the inside space. Closing them can also save energy in the winter. During cold nights, heat is lost through windows, so closing the blinds can add some insulation to the windows, reducing heat loss. Replacing old flat blinds with blinds with a honey comb structure will add an insulating effect to your windows.
Buy an Insulating "Blanket" for your Water Heater
A blanket for your hot water heater - about a $20 investment - can lower your water heating costs by 9% according to the US Department of Energy. You should also check the pre-set temperature of your water heater. It should be set at around 120 degrees, any higher and it will cost you more. This is also an important safety precaution if you have small children and can prevent injuries from water that is too hot.
Rebates Available
Water heater rebates may be available from your gas or electric utility. Contact your utility or ask your contractor to learn more.
Wash in Cold Water
Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. Unless you're dealing with oily stains, washing in cold water will generally do a good job of cleaning, and keep your colors from bleeding. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.
Keep the Cold Air Outside
Air sealing and insulating your home can drastically help improve both your comfort and your bills! Much of it you can do yourself around doors and windows with weather stripping. It's event better to start with an energy assessment and learn how you can reduce your energy costs by up to 30%. A certified contractor will assess your home from top to bottom checking your home's insulation levels and identifying areas where you are wasting energy. Contact your gas or electric utility to learn more.
Smart Thermostats Save $
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. Many smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away. You can even control your home’s heating and cooling remotely through your smartphone. Some utilities have special offers, contact your gas or electric utility to learn more.
On the Waterfront
Did you know that according to the EPA's WaterSense Program the average New Jersey resident uses 70 gallons of water per day? However, in peak water use months - April to October- this number can increase to 155 gallons per day. Washing dishes with an open tap alone can use up to 20 gallons. You can save 10% just by filling your sink and turning off the tap while you soap and scrub, and even more by using your dishwasher. Showers use less water than baths as long as you keep the timeframe short.
Calculate Your Savings
Find out how much you would save by installing WaterSense labeled products.
When to Turn Off Personal Computers
If you're wondering if you should turn off your computer for energy savings, here are some general tips: 1) consider turning off the monitor if you are not using your PC for more than 20 minutes and 2) turn off both the computer and the monitor if you will be away for more than two hours. If your equipment is newer and comes with a power-down or sleep mode, this may happen automatically.
Did you know?
You can make it easy to turn off all those home electronics like TVs, DVD players, computers and more. Simply plug them into smart power strips, and then turn the power strip off when not in use. If you don't have a power strip, then unplug them.
Save with ENERGY STAR Products
Buy ENERGY STAR certified appliances the next time you need to make a new purchase. Over the lifetime of the product, appliance models that have earned the ENERGY STAR can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs.
Rebates Available
Appliance rebates may be available from your gas or electric utility. Contact them before you shop to learn more.
Comfort Partners Can Help
For over 15 years, the Comfort Partners program program has helped lower income families save money on their energy bills at no cost to them. If you qualify, your home will receive energy efficiency improvements such as added insulation, weather-stripping and appliance tune-ups or replacements.
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