Did you know that heating and cooling account for about 56% of your home energy use? So, in the midst of winter when you need to keep your home warm, you’ll need to get creative with how you can keep your energy bill as low as possible.

To give you some energy efficiency ideas, we’ve compiled a list of easy-to-implement tips to help keep your energy cost down!

Energy Efficiency Tips

1)  Be sure to read your thermostat’s manufacturer manual. Installing it near direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights and windows can cause “ghost readings” or unnecessary furnace or AC cycling.

2)  Unplug appliances in each room when you leave, such as your cell phone charger and your stereo. Even though they aren’t on or you aren’t using them, they are still sucking up energy!

3)  Make sure there is no cold air coming in through your closed windows. If there is, try to fix it. Not only will you be warmer, but you can save money by not letting the heat escape.

4)  Open shades in the winter and close shades in the summer and turn off the lights during the daytime.

5)  Turn off lights and the TV when you leave a room.

6)  When doing the dishes, wash all the dishes first, then rinse.

7)  Look to buy Energy Star® rated products. They are known to use less energy, Click HERE for a complete list of its offerings.

8)  For an in-depth guide into saving energy at home, reference the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Savers Guide.