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8 ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR WINTER
FOLSOM, N.J. -- There may be no escaping dropping temperatures but there are ways to outsmart Old Man Winter and his efforts to heat up our energy bills. According to Phil Mitcheli, general manager of appliance service operations for South Jersey Energy Service Plus, there are ways to stay warm without high utility bills giving us the cold shoulder. He recommends eight measures to save energy this winter:
1. Schedule a tune-up. As with your vehicle, regular maintenance of your furnace helps keep your system in top working condition. An annual inspection helps to ensure your equipment will work when you need it the most – the long, cold winter.
2. Use a programmable thermostat. If you and your family are away from home most hours of the day, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat to turn up the heat prior to your arrival. The new generation of thermostats allows you to set different temperatures and adjust start times and programs. When used properly, programmable thermostats can save you up to $100 a year on heating and cooling bills!
3. Adjust the dial. Did you know that depending on the size of your home, you can save 3% on your heating costs by lowering the thermostat just one degree? By simply adjusting the temperature in your home from 72 degrees to 68 degrees translates into a savings of over 10%!
4. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. If you’re considering upgrading your current furnace, replacing your water heater or simply purchasing a programmable thermostat, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These products meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.
5. Improve air flow. As you may know, warm air rises and is often trapped at the ceiling. Turn your ceiling fan on reverse (this can be done by simply flipping the switch located between the ceiling mount and the blades) to distribute warm air throughout the room. The room will feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat setting and lower your energy costs.
6. Insulate the attic. Did you realize that warm air naturally gravitates toward cold areas? That’s why it’s particularly important to insulate attics, garages and basements. Consider the attic. Although many of us have some insulation in the attic space, most homeowners neglect to insulate the attic access door. To save energy, attach foam insulation to the back of the door and apply weather-stripping to reduce leaks.
7. Check the freezer. If your refrigerator or freezer is located near a heat source, such as a stove, radiator, washer or dryer, it has to work harder than necessary to maintain a constant cool temperature. Move the refrigerator and you’ll save on energy costs.
8. Think small. Warm air escapes through cracks, seams and small openings. Arm yourself with caulk, sealants and weather stripping and seek out the cold-air culprits. Seal openings around television cables, clothes dryer vents, and plumbing pipes and, of course, around windows and doors. Don’t forget to place foam gaskets behind electrical outlet covers to cut down on drafts.
South Jersey Energy Service Plus provides heating and air conditioning installation and service as well as appliance repairs by NATE-certified technicians and installers. For more information on SJESP, visit www.sjindustries.com.
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