If you are looking for ways to save energy and reduce the cost of heating your home this winter, congratulations on being a savvy homeowner. The cost of heating a home gobble 30 to 40 percent of the average homeowner’s energy budget. Any plan you implement to increase energy savings without sacrificing comfort makes good sense both now and in the long run.

An energy-saving plan involves two phases. The first asks you to look at issues around your home that can be addressed immediately. The second phase asks you and your family to take an inventory of your energy consumption over a longer period. Once you learn the trends of your family’s energy use, it will be easier to determine where to make a more substantial investment for long-term savings like replacing insulation, ductwork, or windows. Here are some things you can do today to cut energy use in your home:

Turn the thermostat down to 68 degrees during the winter. Every degree below 70 saves you 5 percent on your energy bill.

Turn the thermostat down to 55 when you’re gone for a longer period. This will keep the pipes from freezing but won’t unnecessarily heat an empty house.

Grab a sweater if you’re chilly. Layering with warm clothing is a more effective way to heat your body than turning up the heat.

If you notice drafts around fixtures, switches, or windows, seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.

Have a professional check the insulation levels in your home. It’s important to have the correct amount and to have it evenly dispersed for maximum efficiency.

For more information on how you can save energy in your home or have your HVAC system serviced, contact one of our experts at Pipe Works Services Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas.

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