Energy Efficiency Tips During Winter

Winter is just a few weeks away here in Buffalo and Rochester, and with it will inevitably come higher heating bills.

Want to keep those bills as low as possible? Here are 10 of the best ways to do it:

1. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out.
2. When you’re home, aim for a thermostat temperature of 68° for the best balance of efficiency and comfort; when you’re asleep or away from home, turn thermostat back eight to ten degrees* for eight hours to save about 10 percent a year on your heating (and cooling) bills.
3. Consider installing a programmable thermostat – or better yet, install a smart thermostat that you control from your cellphone.
4. Turn down the temperature of your water heater thermostat. Many are factory set for 130° degrees or more; 120° degrees is plenty.
5. Have your propane-fired heating system professionally inspected and serviced.
6. Check your furnace filters every month during the height of the heating season, changing them when necessary.
7. Keep your fireplace flue damper closed unless a fire is burning.
8. Check that vents, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions.
9. Open curtains and shades to let in warmth from the sun, then close them at night to retain that heat.
10. Reverse your ceiling fans so they push warm air back into the room rather than drawing it up and away from your living space.

Bonus Tip #11: Buy your propane from Irish! You’ll always get fair and honest pricing, along with the most reliable propane delivery service in our Rochester and Buffalo service areas. Contact us today to become an Irish Propane customer!

*Avoid dropping temperatures this much on extremely cold nights, as it can put you at risk for frozen pipes.