You may want to trade your orange Sungevity sunglasses for wool socks because 2014 has kicked off with a brrr-ang.
If socks don’t do the trick… here are some easy ways you can keep your toes warm and use energy more efficiently this winter:
- Try checking your ducts for leaks. Your heating system is responsible for up to 34% of your utility bill, so sealing leaks can result in big savings.
- If you have an indoor fireplace, try closing your damper when the fireplace is not in use and look for a well-fitted chimney cap for a more secure seal.
- Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees F. Not only does it protect you from burning your hands, but it also can save you 7 to 11 percent on water heating costs.
- Keep chilly drafts away from your best recliner by hanging thick thermal curtains on your windows. Caulking leaks can also help you insulate from wind.
- And our favorite: take advantage of sunny days. Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to capture heat from the sun, and close them at night to lock the warmth in.
Here’s to another year of happy toes and small utility bills.
Find more tips at:
Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips from the Department of Energy
Winter Time Energy Saving Tips from the California Energy Commission
