Energy Saving Tips for the Colder Months

The best way to lower your energy bills is to use less energy. Take the Energy-Saving Tour through the interactive house below to pick up tips for saving energy in every room in your home.

To take the Energy-Saving Tour click on the image below.

Make windows work for you

• On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let in the sun’s warmth. During the summer, draw drapes and blinds to prevent solar heat gain.
• Close draperies and blinds at night to insulate against cold air outside.
• If you have storm windows, be sure they are installed during heating season.

Turn down your thermostat

The easiest and most economical way to cut energy costs is to adjust your thermostat.

• Set thermostats between 65° and 70° during the winter, and to 58° when away from the house for four or more hours. For homes with elderly people or children, warmer temperatures are recommended.
• For greater temperature control, use a programmable or setback thermostat.

Keep warm in winter

• Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
• Keep hot and cold air registers free of dust and do not block with carpet or furniture.

Turning down water heater setting

The water heater accounts for approximately 15% of the average household’s energy use. Using it wisely can save you money.

• To lower energy cost without sacrificing comfort, set water heater temperature to 120°.

Showerheads/faucets

• Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
• Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,280 gallons of water a year.

Washer/dryer

• Run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads only.
• Replace old, outdated appliances with high efficiency models.

Stop drafts and air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping

By adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you can have a significant impact on your energy bills.

• Guard against heat loss by sealing leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes and ducts.
• After you have caulked and sealed bypasses, adding insulation can help you reduce energy use and save on future fuel bills.
• Be sure attics have recommended levels of insulation. Contact your local insulation company to come check your insulation.

Maintain your heating system

70-80% of a typical home’s natural gas use is for heating and cooling. Use your energy dollars wisely with these tips:

• Change or clean furnace filters once a month during heating season.
• Have your furnace or boiler tuned by a qualified technician once a year to help improve your system’s operating efficiency and help prevent breakdowns.
• If you have an old heating system, consider replacing it with a high efficiency system. The more of an efficiency upgrade you make, the more energy savings you will see on your heating bills.

For more information about saving energy at home, visit the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.

Thank you to CenterPoint Energy for these very helpful energy saving tips.