Winter season can upset your budget due to high cost of heat and utilities. However, it is possible to save energy and money by following these simple methods.
1. Stock your refrigerator and freezer properly. Adequate air flow is required for a refrigerator and freezer to operate efficiently. Without adequate air flow, the refrigerator works harder to keep cool. Don’t overstock your freezer and you will save money on energy costs. Turn the temperature setting to the lowest where you can still maintain the freshness and safety of food.
2. Use a toaster oven or microwave instead of the oven. It is possible to cook delicious winter meals in a crock pot. These appliances generally consume less energy as compared to the oven, resulting in lesser cost.
3. Keep the curtains and blinds open, letting in the sunshine instead of using lights. This way you can enjoy the natural energy provided by the sun and your home will also be a bit warmer and, enabling you to save money. Also keep the curtains and blinds close at night to insulate from the cold weather.
4. Keep a check on the drafts, as the drafts around the windows and doors can increase the cost of heating substantially. There are many products available in the market to help with drafts, such as weatherstripping and shrinkable film for windows.
5. Keep the thermostat on the heating system low. Instead of keeping the thermostat high, wear more clothing in layers. This will help to keep you warm. Although you may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but you will get used to it and will help you to save more money.
6. Clean the furnace filters regularly. This will increase the efficiency of the furnace and lower the cost when the filter is clean. Dirty filter causes hindrance in the air flow, making it harder for the furnace to do the same job, costing you more money.
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