Turn Down the Thermostat
Less is more when it comes to conserving energy this winter. Turning the thermostat down even a couple of degrees will add up to significant savings on your overall winter heating bill. It’s easy to stay warm by throwing on a sweater during the day and getting cozy under blankets at night.
Don’t Forget the Fan
During chilly months, running ceiling fans in a clockwise motion will pull warm air up and keep it circulating throughout the room.
Winterize Windows
If investing in quality storm windows is too large an expense for your family, you can still winterize your windows with plastic sheeting and self-adhesive foam. It’s easy, inexpensive and can lead to big savings on your energy bill.
Value Your Vents
Keep vents in top condition with regular cleaning and dusting. Also be sure that all your vents are clear and open: Blocked vents can lead to inefficient circulation of heat throughout the house.
Capitalize on Curtains
Use your curtains to let in light and keep in heat. Open them wide during the day to allow warming sunlight into your home, and then close them at night to keep frosty air out.
Marisa Belger’s work has appeared in Travel + Leisure Family, Natural Health, Prevention
and TODAYShow.com, where she wrote a column about eco-friendly living. She was an editor at Lime.com and collaborated with author Josh Dorfman on his bestselling books, The Lazy Environmentalist
and The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget. She is the managing editor of and frequent contributor to
Green Goes Simple.