For much of the country, winter correlates with a rise in heating bills.
If you live in a cold weather climate, there are some simple things you can do to save money on your heating bill this winter. And even if you live in a temperate area of the country, some of these tips could also help you trim a few bucks off your energy bill.
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you’re home – 3 to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees
- When you leave your house, set your thermostat to 56 degrees – turning the thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours can save you 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill
- Cut your shower time in half – showers can account for up to two-thirds of your water heating costs
- Doing these 3 things could save you up to $90 a year on water heating costs:
- clean lint trap before every load of laundry
- wash clothes in cold water
- avoid over-drying clothes
Source: Energy Savings Tips for Winter, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, 2014