Winter – things you can do to bear the cold
Lock the heat in
When using your furnace, set your heating thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day, health permitting. Set your thermostat at 55 degrees for the night, or when you will be away for more than four hours. During the heating season, change or clean furnace filters once a month. This will ensure optimal home heating and save energy.
Don't block your radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies. Keep your radiators, registers and baseboard heaters dirt and dust free. Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room. Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
Close the damper when not using the fireplace and turn your heater(s) down when using your fireplace. Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing. Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to retain heat.
Reduce your costs
Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees or "low" (140 degrees or "medium" if you have a dishwasher without its own heating element) to save money. This is also a safety measure to avoid scalding. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
Do only full loads when using the clothes washer and dryer. Clean the dryer lint trap after each use, and check the dryer vent for clogging. Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer. When possible, dry your clothes on a line.
Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. Use the energy saver, air-dry cycle, or, if allowed, open the door and let dishes dry naturally. Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles. Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves.
Use the self-cleaning oven feature only when necessary. Start the self-cleaning cycle immediately after the oven is used to take advantage of pre-existing heat. Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections. Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
