Saving energy and money during the cold Winter months
Temperatures may have been above normal towards the end of December, but it is now Winter time in southern Kentucky and we all know the cold temperatures will inevitably return. When temperatures fall, we often see a rise in our heating bill. But with a few tips from the Warren RECC, you can save some money while staying warm this Winter season.
One of the main tips suggested by Kim Phelps with Warren RECC, is making sure no cold air is making its way in your home.
“Once you get your house all warm inside, make sure your windows are caulked, everything is sealed. You want to keep that warm air in.”
Another helpful tip that has the potential to cut your bill significantly is one that may take some getting used to and may also require some trial and error depending on how sensitive you are to the cold. That tip? Setting your thermostat at the coolest level you can withstand.
“You can always put your thermostat back a couple of degrees and put a sweater on or a blanket on,” says Phelps.
The cold temperatures are also notorious for spawning the use of space heaters. While these heaters can do a great job at keeping us warm, there are safety risks involved if they are not used properly.
“Always make sure that they’re in an open area, make sure they’re not close to anything that’s flammable and make sure that if you’re not in the room with them that you turn them off to make sure you’re safe.”
It is important to note that the success rate of the various tips provided will vary from one house to another. The cuts in the monthly bill will also vary if, for example, one house’s thermostat is set much cooler than another. But even trying just one or two of the tips from Warren RECC can be beneficial.
“It just really depends on your heating system,” says Phelps. “If it’s really, really cold your heating bills are going to be a little bit higher but the more you can do, believe it or not it does help. It does make a difference, every little bit helps.”
For more information on how to make your home more energy-efficient, click here.
