Energy Efficiency in the Winter

With winter usually comes a large electricity bill and, more than likely, an even larger gas bill (this I know from experience!). Here are some tips that can help you become more energy efficient:

1. Try to use EPA-approved Energy Star products. Energy Star rated units can help you save hundreds per year, and they help reduce gas emissions!


2. Seal up your home! By closing up holes, cracks, and openings, you can refrain from using more heat than you need. However, by sealing up your home, you are preventing air circulation. As a result, you might need an air purifier to keep the air flowing.


3. Be wise about heating and use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats let you customize when the heater turns on/off and how high you want the temperature to go! Best of all, there are many that are Energy Star approved and can save you even more money!


4. Rachael McAdams made a great point when she told Conan O'Brien that she turns off all appliances and even unplugs them when they are not in use. It may be wise to follow her example because this not only helps reduce your energy bill (because I really don't think you need your computer on 24/7!), but it also helps the environment. Many people don't know that many appliances use energy even when they are switched off but not unplugged!