Increased electrical loads can often come with the low temperatures. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 56 percent of your utility bill typically goes towards heating and cooling. Keep warm this winter and save energy costs by following these simple tips around the house.

Winter heating tips

• The recommended setting for optimal savings is 68 degrees when you’re awake and lower when you’re sleeping or out of the house. Use NOVEC's Thermostat Calculator to determine how much you can save.
• A programmable thermostat can help by adjusting the temperature according to your schedule. It can cut back heating at night and turn it up again before you rise in the morning.
• Prevent heat loss by sealing air leaks around window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping.
• Make sure your heating equipment is properly maintained and cleaned. An annual check-up by an HVAC contractor is recommended.
• Clean heating registers and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Use exhaust fans sparingly in the winter. Fans venting to the outdoors waste heating dollars.
• Keep the curtains and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight in and closed at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Adjust ceiling fans so they help push warm air down and even out the heat in a room.
• Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the recommended levels for your area. Visit the www.energystar.gov section on Air Seal & Insulate with Energy Star Home Sealing to learn more about insulation levels.

Find more energy saving tips at the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers website.

Learn how to get the most out of your HVAC system. Click here for more.

For more information

To learn more about staying warm and saving money, contact NOVEC's Energy Services Department at 703-392-1503 or Toll-free at 1-888-335-0500 ext. 1503 or via email at energyservices@novec.com.