Jackets? Check. Gloves? Check. Hats and Scarves? Double Check. Getting yourself ready for winter is an easy annual ritual to keep warm and comfortable. Why not do the same for your home?
While you can’t wrap a “snuggie” around your home, you can come close to it with these energy-efficient actions.
- Cleaning – Cleaning actually helps reduce your energy bill. For instance, cleaner windows let in more sunlight, which can help a bit with radiant heat from the sun in the winter. You should also dust or vacuum your baseboards, radiators and floor registers for better air flow. And while your cleaning supplies are out, vacuum under and behind the refrigerator. Dust-free coils keep it running efficiently.
- Lighting – the days are shorter, which means lights come on earlier and stay on longer. Switch to energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® LEDs. Most of them can be used with dimmer switches. Dimmers not only save energy, but allow you to change light levels and adjust a room's ambiance. Just be sure to check the package to make sure the LEDs can be used with dimmers.
- Insulating – why bundle up indoors? Instead, properly insulate your attic, walls, and floors over crawl spaces to save a bundle on energy costs and make your home—and you—feel more comfortable.
- Air sealing – don’t let trouble fall through the cracks. Sealing cracks and gaps in walls and attic joists as well as around pipes, windows and door frames prevents outside air from entering and keeps warm inside air from escaping.
While you’re at it, check out Eversource’s Energy Savings Plan as a resource to help you lower your energy bills this winter.
You can also sign up for Home Energy SolutionsSM – a great way to address some of these energy-efficient actions, get expert advice to determine where your home wastes energy, and prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. Just call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) or click here to learn more.
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