Fall Energy-Saving Tips

Fall is finally here! Football season is underway and 60-degree mornings feel chilly. Many of you are excited to find some relief from the heat. While the warm temperatures still linger, it is important to start thinking about saving energy on the cooler days ahead.

Check out these energy-saving tips to help you save money while staying comfortable this fall:

Cover drafty windows

Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cooler months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce airflow. Then use a hair dryer to shrink the film so it’s tight and wrinkle-free. To learn about more energy-efficient window treatments, click here.

Use heat from the sun on clear days

Open your curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Turn down your water heater temperature

Many water heaters are automatically set at 140°F. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F (or warm setting). Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature and you’ll see noticeable savings on your water-heating costs.

Lower your thermostat

Set the thermostat between 65°F and 70°F during the day and between 58°F and 60°F at night or when away from home for several hours. If anyone in your home is an older adult or an infant, or has a health condition, keep the temperature at 68°F or higher, since cold indoor temperatures can pose health risks.

Lower your holiday lighting cost

LED lights are very energy efficient. They consume far less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and decorative LED light strings such as Halloween and Christmas tree lights are no different. Not only do LED holiday lights consume less electricity and save money, but they also have many other advantages. LEDs are much safer than incandescent lights because they emit very little heat, reducing the risk of combustion. They are more resistant to breakage and last much longer. Up to 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. To read more about LED lighting, click here.

Remove window air conditioners

Window air conditioners allow cold air to leak into your home. If they must stay in place, be sure to seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket.

Make small lifestyle changes around the house

Closing the doors in unused rooms can save up to 8% of the heat. Do not needlessly open and close outside doors, allowing cold air to rush in. By reducing traffic, you are creating a warmer, draft-free home. If your house has radiators, vacuum all surfaces including hard-to-reach areas once a month. Arrange furniture with your heating system in mind. Don’t restrict airflow from vents.

Using these tips can help you save money and stay comfortable. Unfortunately, many limited-income families are worried about how to afford the cost of warming their homes during the upcoming seasons. For that reason, it is important to consider donating to Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program. We want to provide the most assistance possible for those who can’t afford to keep their homes safe and warm during the fall and winter months.

Sources: Energy.gov, Peoples Natural Gas