1. Consumers can take easy, inexpensive steps to reduce household energy consumption and minimize energy loss. Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10 percent from an average household s monthly energy bill. For example, consumers can:
- Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping
2. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.
3. Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable thermostat.
4. Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10 percent to 15 percent for eight hours per day.
5. Insulating water heaters and turning down the unit s thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save money, since water-heating is a typical family s third-largest energy expense, accounting for about 14 percent of utility bills.