Energy Savings Tips for WINTER

Ugh – the groundhog saw its shadow. These tips will help keep bills lower for the remainder of winter.By thinking ahead and taking a few simple steps, it can be surprisingly easy to save both energy and money during the cool fall and cold winter months.
Let the Light In! Take advantage of the sun and open curtains on your windows to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
Cover or Weatherize Drafty Windows. Install insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty. For extreme drafts, use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames.
Find and Seal Leaks. Seal air leaks around pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces.
Use LEDs During the Holidays. Whether you go all out for Halloween, Christmas or both, using LED light strings during the holidays is considerably more energy-efficient than traditional lighting.
Keep Your Fireplace Damper Closed. Unless a fire is burning, that is. Keeping the damper open when the fireplace isn’t in use is like keeping a window wide open; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
Maintain Your Heating System. Schedule a checkup for your heating system. Find out about any maintenance adjustments that might be needed to ensure your system