Winter Heating - No Cost Energy Savings Actions

Consider setting the thermostat as low as comfortable in the winter. (Important: Seniors and people with special medical needs should check with their doctors before changing their normal home temperatures or considering turning off heating units.)
Don’t constantly move the thermostat up or down throughout the day because it will waste money and energy.
Turn the thermostat down when not at home.
Check air ducts. Check air ducts to be sure they are still connected.
Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture or drapes. Clean warm air-registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed.
Close off rooms that are not in use to save on heating bills.
Use ceiling fans to assist in heating. Blades should rotate clockwise when viewed from below.
Remove trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season. If in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Turn down the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Wash full loads of laundry for maximum efficiency. If less than full set the water level in the washing machine to suit the size of the load, you’ll save energy and water.

For gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment may be needed. Consult your manufacturer or your local utility.
Clean the lint trap before drying each load of clothes to improve dryer efficiency.
Keep refrigerator base clean, take guard off and clean dirt and debris from underneath refrigerator.
Clear area in freezer around freezer fan.
Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
Turn off computers, monitors, printers and televisions during periods of non-use. These devices use energy even when in stand-by mode.

Monitor your meter weekly to monitor consumption and plan for billing amount.
Wear extra layers of clothing or blankets in the winter.
Wear warm socks. Warm feet widen blood vessels, which better enables your body to transfer heat.