Winter Energy Saving Tips
No-Cost Steps:
- Open curtains and shades on your south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
- Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Find and Seal Air Leaks:
- According to Energy.gov, air leaks are among the greatest sources of energy loss in a home. One of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. By sealing uncontrolled air leaks, you can save 10%–20% on your heating and cooling bills. Click here for tips on sealing air leaks.
Adjust the Temperature:
- Setting your thermostat back 7°-10°F for eight hours per day can save as much as 10% of your annual heating and cooling costs. This means turning the temperature down in the winter and up in the summer. Note: heat pumps work a bit differently; if you have a heat pump, click here for tips on getting the most out of your system.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat to control your temperature settings with ease. Click here to shop smart thermostats at RMLD's online energy efficiency store and receive a $50 instant rebate (for residential customers only; certain conditions apply; have RMLD account number ready).
Maintain Heating Systems:
- Service your heating system per manufacturer recommendations.
- Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as recommended.
- Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; contact a professional if you’re unsure how to perform this task.
- Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
Learn More About Your Energy Usage:
- RMLD offers a no-cost home energy assessment to residential customers who are interested in learning more about their energy usage and opportunities to become more energy efficient. Click here to learn more and schedule. PLEASE NOTE: If you are served by a gas utility that is a Mass Save member (such as National Grid), we recommend that you obtain a home energy assessment through Mass Save because it will evaluate items in your home that are specific to your heating type. Visit Mass Save's website to schedule.
Source: Energy Saver Guide, Energy.gov