{"id":137601,"date":"2023-01-05T15:16:44","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T23:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.penlight.org\/?p=137601"},"modified":"2023-01-05T15:16:44","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T23:16:44","slug":"5-ways-to-fight-the-winter-chill-while-saving-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.penlight.org\/5-ways-to-fight-the-winter-chill-while-saving-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Fight The Winter Chill While Saving Energy"},"content":{"rendered":"

High winter bills are never fun. Peninsula Light Company is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.<\/p>\n

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Adobe stock image by Vector Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are 5 tips to help increase your home\u2019s energy efficiency this winter:<\/p>\n

1. Be Mindful of the Thermostat<\/h2>\n

This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat between 68\u00ba to 70\u00ba F when you are home. 0604240820621<\/p>\n

2. Button Up Your Home<\/h2>\n

The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24 to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed. Learn more on Energy.gov’s Weather Stripping page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Use Window Coverings Wisely<\/h2>\n

Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material \u2014 heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.<\/p>\n

4. Reconsider Your Approach to Appliance Use<\/h2>\n

When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you\u2019re using them. For example, if you\u2019re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they\u2019re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles and unplug them to save energy. Every little bit helps.<\/p>\n

5. Think Outside the Box<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing or bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home. If you have hard-surface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor. Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills.<\/p>\n

Visit our Peninsula Light Company website<\/a> for additional energy-saving tips and to register your account to MyMeter by clicking on \u201cMy Account\u201d.<\/p>\n

With MyMeter, you can:<\/p>\n