tip of the day
Stay warm this winter, and conserve energy.
As the temperature drops, it's time to prepare for winter heating bills. Heating is a whopping 28 percent of the average home's energy use. Before you turn up the thermostat this fall, take a few simple steps to weatherize your home. A poorly insulated, drafty house can cost you plenty. But a little bit of caulk, insulation and ingenuity can save money by immediately reducing your energy bill.
- Got a minute: Leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Got a morning: Insulate your water heater with a fitted water heater blanket. Insulate at least the first 6-10 feet of hot water supply pipe with pipe insulation. Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees.
- Got a month: Insulate! Add weather stripping around the edge of doors. Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, light fixtures and plumbing with caulk or putty. add insulation where you can.
more info
For more tips on saving energy, visit http://www.simplesteps.org/.
