Consumers are a great source of information for CUB, and you proved it again this past Energy Awareness Month. We asked for your best winter efficiency tips, and you sent us more than 100 tips!
We randomly picked one lucky tipster to win an 8-pack of super-efficient, 60-watt-equivalent LED lightbulbs. Congratulations to Pamela of Glenview!
And thank you to all who took part! Here’s the tip Pamela shared: “Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and put on a sweater. Also—if you are going to be away for a while, do NOT set your thermostat too low (e.g., 55-60 degrees), as it will only cause your furnace to work that much harder to regain a comfortable indoor temperature.”
The sweater advice was one of the most popular tips we received. Pamela also raises a question we hear a lot: Is it worth turning the heat down when you leave?
A note from CUB: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is. The department says turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day (when you’re asleep or away) can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating. Just don’t ever go below 55 degrees, which risks freezing your pipes.
More tips from CUB Readers
Here are five more reader favorites, along with related advice from CUB’s winter tips.
- Hunt down drafts
“Check all of your exterior doors for any air leaks on a windy day. Also check to see if there is any sunlight coming in from the exterior doors when they are closed. If you see light, you need to weatherproof these areas.” Paul from Romeoville
CUB note: Colder weather makes it easier to identify drafts, and weatherstripping around windows and doors can help keep them out. Can’t make it to the hardware store yet? To get you through the night, push a rolled-up towel against the bottom of the door.
- Let the sun help
“Get the shades and blinds open each morning to let the sun shine in. The passive solar gain is impressive. Then be sure to close shades and blinds as the sun goes down to trap the heat and decrease the cold transfer through the glass.” Eric from Glen Ellyn
CUB agrees: Open your blinds during the day so sunlight can help heat and light your home. At night, closed blinds add an extra layer of protection against icy winds.
- Move the heat around
“For rooms that are not at the temp you like but other rooms are, do not turn up your thermostat. Instead use a small fan to move the warmer air from one area to the other.” Gary from Chicago
- Set a thermostat schedule
“I schedule our thermostat for 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night. Keeps our winter bills lower!” James from Wheaton
CUB note: Keep your thermostat at about 68 degrees when you’re home and awake, and lower it when you leave or go to sleep.
- Keep up with your furnace filter
“Remember to have your furnace filter changed and maintained for efficiency.” Thomas from Peoria Height
CUB recommends cleaning or replacing your furnace filter monthly, or as needed.
CUB note: A ceiling fan can circulate heat, too. In the winter, run it clockwise, and turn it off when you leave the room. Stay warm and stay safe.
Finally, one reader offered the simplest plan of all: “Move somewhere warmer.” Another kept it to one word: “Pray!” We’ll stick with the sweaters for now. Whatever you try this winter, keep safety first. Never set your thermostat at a temperature that threatens your health, and don’t use your oven or stove to heat your home.
For more ways to save, read CUB’s tips for staying safe, warm, and energy-efficient during Illinois winters. Thanks to everyone who shared a tip!
