- Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night.
- Cover drafty window Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce cold air from getting in.
- Find and seal leaks Seal the air leaks around pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
- Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
- Check the air filter on your heating system every month. Replace every 3 months or when dirty.
- Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
- When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
- Consider replacing your old gas appliances with an ENERGY STAR water heater or furnace. If your gas water heater is more than 12 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with a newer Energy Star rated model that is about 15 percent more efficient.
- When fireplace is NOT in use make sure the damper is CLOSED.
