SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — With low temperatures expected to drop below zero this weekend in the Upper Midwest, Xcel Energy wants to give its customers tips on how to save energy this winter. Making a few small changes in energy use habits can lead to a more comfortable home and help customers save money.
No Cost Ideas:
- Let the Sunlight in and Keep the Cold Out – Open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s warmth during the day but close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
- Lower Your Thermostat – During winter months, set the thermostat between 65-70 degrees while you’re home, and 58 degrees when you’re away. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your routine and could help you save on heating costs.
- Make Sure Exterior Doors are Fully Closed – A major source of a home’s heat loss is from exterior doors that are left cracked open or not latched.
- Use Fans to Your Advantage – During colder months, run ceiling fans -clockwise, so the warm air near the ceiling is forced down.
- Keep Your Oven’s Heat Where it Belongs – Use your oven light or timer to avoid opening it often while you cook; each time the door is opened even for just a few seconds, the temperature drops 25 degrees. Put lids on your pots and pans while cooking to speed up cooking time and keep the heat where it’s needed most.
Low Cost Ideas:
- Lower Your Water Heater’s Temperature or Insulate it – The proper temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and by lowering it 10 degrees, you can save 3-5 percent on your water heating costs; you can also insulate it to maximize efficiency.
- Keep Filters Clean – Dirty furnace filters reduce airflow, requiring your furnace to work harder and use more energy. Change the filter once a month during the winter to reduce your heating costs by 5-15 percent.
- Don’t Let the Heat Escape – Affordable window sealing kits can be found in most local home improvement stores and can help you save more than $40. Have your home evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers, and other places where air might escape.
- Improve Insulation – Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, saving you up to 10 percent on your monthly energy bill.
Finally, customers can take part in one of Xcel Energy’s energy efficiency programs to save even more. Information can be found at www.xcelenergy.com through our home energy efficiency programs and rebates link.
