Ways to Reduce Energy Costs During Winter

With winter just around the corner, we are looking for ways to be reduce energy costs. Because saving
energy and money go hand in hand, the non-profit Consumer Federation of America came up with 12
simple ways to save both. Join thousands of organizations, companies, and individuals in a nationwide
effort to become more energy independent, improve the environment, and save households
hundreds of dollars in unnecessary energy costs by following these top tips:

1. AIR DRY: Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
2. TURN IT OFF: Use timers and motion detectors to turn off lights and be sure to unplug TV
   entertainment systems when travelling (use power strips for easy on/off switching) and don’t leave your
   computer and monitor on needlessly.
3. DON’T GET BURNED WITH HOT WATER: Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F. Water
   heaters are the second highest source of energy use in the home.
4. FILL IT UP, PLEASE: Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
5. KEEP ‘EM CLEAN: Check furnace, heat pump, and AC filters once a month and replace them regularly.
   A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and cause problems with your equipment.
6. GET A CHECK UP: Get your heating system checked up once a year. A licensed professional will make
   sure that your system is operating efficiently and safely. Checkups can identify problems early.
7. STOP THE BREEZE: Caulk and weather-strip around drafty doors and windows.

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Extension – Clark County
517 Court Street, Room 104
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: 715-743-5121
Fax: 715-743-5154
Dial 711 for Wisconsin Relay
http://clark.uwex.edu/

8. GET AN AUDIT: Your utility company may offer free energy audits that can identify expensive energy
   losses in your basement, unfinished rooms, attics and leaky ductwork. Sealing your ducts can give big
   savings on energy bills and help keep you from turning up the thermostat because of one cold room.
9. TAKE A WALK: Circle your home with an easy-to-use spray foam insulation and look for openings and
   gaps around pipes, chimneys, lights, windows and basement brick and cement work.
10. GET WITH THE PROGRAM: Install a programmable thermostat which automatically adjusts the
    temperature during the day or at night, keeping you from forgetting as you dash off to work. A
    programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 a year.
11. STAY BRIGHT: As “old-school” incandescent light bulbs burn out, replace them with new, light
    emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) and save about $90 a year in electricity costs. You pay more up-front, but
    shop around, prices are dropping. They use up to 25% less energy, can last up to twelve times longer
    and light like the old fashioned ones do.
12. BE A STAR: Look for products and appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. They meet
    strict new energy efficiency criteria that will reduce your utility bills and help the environment. ENERGY
    STAR clothes washers, for example, use approximately 40% less water and 25% less energy for washing
    than standard models.
    UW-Extension Division of Extension is available to help with any questions about financial wellness,
    credit reports and financial coaching. For more energy saving info visit energysaver.gov
    For more information contact Nancy Vance, Extension Clark County Family Living Educator at
    715-743-5121 / nancy.vance@wisc.edu