As fall transitions into the holiday season, its a great time to prepare for the chill ahead. Staying safe and efficient this winter doesnt have to mean sky-high energy bills. Heres how to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.

SMART THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

With dropping temperatures, its tempting to crank up the heat. But did you know that the colder it gets outside, the harder your heating system works? The greater the temperature difference between indoors and out, the more your system has to run to maintain comfort. Even gas furnaces rely on electricity to power fans that circulate warm air.

We recommend setting your thermostat to around 68 to 70 F during the day and lowering it a few degrees at night or when youre away. This creates a balance between warmth and efficiency and can help keep down heating costs.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SPACE HEATERS

Portable electric space heaters are a handy supplement to your main furnace, but can be energy hogs. Most models draw 500 to 1,500 watts, and running them continuously can spike your electricity use.

For example, lets say you have a typical 1,000-watt heater:

• Running it for 1 hour consumes 1 kWh (about 12 cents).
• Over 8 hours a day? Thats roughly $1 daily.
• In a 30-day month, youre looking at $30 just for that one heater.
• This adds up quickly, especially if youre using multiple units or layering them on top of your furnace and other appliances. To minimize costs:
• Use space heaters sparingly, in well-insulated rooms.
• Opt for models with thermostats or timers to avoid overuse.
• Turn them off when leaving the room.

SAFETY FIRST: AVOID FIRE HAZARDS

Beyond the bill, safety is paramount. Space heaters are a leading cause of home fires in winter.

When using space heaters, always:

• Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, or bedding.
• Never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping.
• Place them on a stable, flat surface to prevent tipping.
• Plug directly into a wall outlet extension cords can overheat.

BOOST EFFICIENCY WITH HOME UPGRADES

Small tweaks to your home can make a big difference in retaining heat and cutting costs:

• Programmable thermostat: To automatically set or adjust temperatures for maximum energy efficiency.
• Insulation: Ensure attics, walls, and floors are well-insulated to trap warmth inside.
• Sealed windows and doors: Weatherstrip gaps and use draft stoppers to block cold air infiltration.
• Equipment maintenance: Have your furnace tuned up annually. Older systems are less efficient. Replace or clean filters regularly so your unit is running as efficiently as possible. Consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency model if yours is over 15 years old.

Focusing on these steps will help you enjoy a warmer home, lower bills, and greater peace of mind. Stay safe out there, and here’s to a cozy winter! If you have questions about energy-saving rebates in your area, contact our office.