Tips for Energy-Efficiency

Here are some helpful steps customers can take to help reduce energy use and save on monthly bills:

• Be smart when setting your thermostat. By setting your thermostat as low as is comfortable, you’ll save money. Set it even cooler while you’re sleeping. You can also save with a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the indoor temperature when you’re away or sleeping.
• Service your furnace. Have your furnace serviced once a year to ensure it’s working safely and efficiently. Clean or replace filters once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120° F, which is not enough to cause scalding but is still hot enough to keep diseases at bay and is considered relatively energy efficient.
• Seal leaks. Locate and seal any leaks from your air ducts. Use weather stripping to help seal leaky windows and doors.
• Check your insulation. Consider whether you need to add to or replace your home’s insulation. Insulation reduces energy demand in both the winter and summer.
• Close your drapes at night. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, closing your drapes at night during the winter can help reduce heat loss in a room up to 10 percent. During the day, open your south-facing drapes and shades to take advantage of the sunshine. 

New Opportunities offers weatherization assistance for those who cannot afford and/or physically perform the above tasks. Call 515-465-5185 for more information.