Energy Efficiency Tips
There are lots of ways to increase your energy efficiency around
your home and business. And every little bit adds up. As we
approach our winter season, there are many simple steps you
can take to increase your efficiency without compromising your
comfort.
Winter Efficiency Tips
- Set your thermostat at or below 68 degrees during the winter
months. You can go even lower when gone during the day or at
night while you are sleeping. If you have a programmable thermostat,
don’t forget to change your settings to compensate for weather
changes.
- Prevent cold air from leaking in through your windows with window
insulation kits. They are easy to install and will last all
season.
- Plant evergreen trees or shrubs on the north and east sides
of your home before Fall to block cold winter winds.
- Start thinking about furnace or boiler maintenance before it
gets cold.
- Have you ever looked at your duct system? Ducts that leak hot
air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year
to your heating or cooling bill. Sealing your ducts or adding
insulation is very cost-effective.
- With less daylight, you'll probably need more interior lights.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs in as many fixtures as possible.
- Be sure warm-air registers, return air vents and baseboard heaters
are unobstructed.
- Use kitchen and bath fans wisely. Ventilating fans left on too
long steal heat.
- Keep drapes and blinds open during the day, allowing natural
daylight to help heat and light your home.
- Close drapes and blinds at night to help keep warm air in and
cold air out.
- Refrain from heating unoccupied rooms if your heating system
is designed to operate that way.
- Install weather stripping on drafty doors and windows.
- Clean or replace furnace filters on a regular basis.
- Avista is offering Residential Rebates that can help offset
the cost of these improvements. Select your region to see what
rebates are available to you.
Even More Tips
Download one of our useful guides or brochures