Follow these tips to stay warm this winter without breaking the bank! There are lots of ways to be energy efficient, even when celebrating. What else do you do to reduce your electricity usage during the winter?
- The sun is your friend! Keep curtains and blinds open during the day so that the solar rays can enter and warm your home. When the sun begins to set, close the curtains to keep warmth in.
- Use automatic timers for outdoor lights. Chances are not many people are paying attention to your glowing reindeer display at 2:00 am on a monday night. Set an automatic timer for your outdoor displays so you aren’t using electricity while everyone’s snuggled in for their long winter’s nap.
- Unplug lights during the day. Simply turning your lights off will not save you as much money as you’d like. Be sure you completely unplug appliances, or use a power strip.
- Turn down that thermostat when you are out of the house. And check out smart thermostats so you can set it and forget it.
- Fight the temptation to check on your cookies. Don’t open the oven door until the dish is ready! Opening the oven door to check on your dish can reduce the temperature by up to 25 degrees, therefore requiring more time to cook and more energy used.
- Use alternative kitchen appliances. Your oven isn’t your only friend in the kitchen. Use your toaster oven. Or use your crock-pot for hearty holiday recipes. Don’t be tempted to heat your home with an open oven, as this can cause poor indoor air quality.
- Check out your utility's efficiency programs, which can come with easy weatherization and air sealing around your doors and windows where lots of your hot air can escape.
- Close vents and doors in un-used rooms to put your hot air to good use.
About the Alliance: Since 1985, AAE has been working to ensure affordable, equitable and environmentally responsible energy policy for the people of Louisiana. We work hard to give Louisiana residents a voice in keeping the lights on and fighting for an energy future that works for everyone. The Alliance is the only dedicated consumer advocate in Louisiana for utility customers. While utilities fight for their own bottom lines and shareholder returns, The Alliance advocates for residents and businesses to ensure Louisianans aren’t paying more than their fair share. The Alliance fights for residents through our three programs: Consumer Protection & Education, Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency. For additional information on the Alliance, check them out at https://www.all4energy.org/.
