30 ways to use energy wisely during winter

My local gas company had a list of 30 Hot tips to use energy wisely. Below are my favorites from the bunch…

Save energy and money in your home

1. Attic insulation is a great investment. It lowers the cost of both heating and cooling.
2. Keep your thermostat low. Each extra degree adds about 4% to 5% to your heating bill. When you leave for the day or over the weekend, lower the setting about 5°. For longer absences, lower the thermostat to 55° (but don’t set it lower because your pipes may freeze).
3. A programmable thermostat is a wise investment because it helps keep the temperature lower automatically while you are sleeping or gone for the day.
4. Don’t place furniture in front of or on top of heating registers.
5. If your radiator is near a cold wall, place aluminum or aluminum foil between walls and radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
6. Open blinds on sunny days to allow sunlight to help heat your home. Close them at night to help keep out the cold.

Save energy cooking

1. Water boils faster in covered pans.
2. Cook vegetables in small amounts of water. Avoid overcooking, which reduces nutritional value.
3. If the burner flame is yellowish instead of blue, clean the burner with soap and water. A blue flame is more efficient than a yellow one.

Hot water energy savings

1. A water heater setting of "Normal" or "Low" is usually sufficient.
2. Use the right-size water heater; heating an oversized tank of water wastes gas. Heating water is the second-largest use of energy next to heating a house. Financial savings on hot water can be significant.

Save money drying clothes

1. Always clean your lint trap before each load to improve dryer efficiency.
2. Consider line-drying clothing inside during the wintertime. You will add humidity to your home, which can make you more comfortable, and use less energy.