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Easy Ways to Save Energy This Winter

December 1, 2016

Looking to save some extra money this holiday season? Making a few simple changes in your home can dramatically decrease your energy bills. And in the long run, improving your home's energy efficiency is great for both your budget and the environment.

Insulate Your Attic

In the first winter after insulating their attics, most people notice they have lower heating bills and more comfortable homes. Using a system like our Green Energy Radiant Barrier you can save you as much as 35 percent on your heating bills and optimize your home's energy efficiency.Here's how insulation works: During cold weather, the warm air in your house flows from living spaces outward to unheated spaces like your attic and then to the outdoors. When the attic is uninsulated, you have to crank up your heating system to make up for the heat that seeps out. With proper insulation, the heat you pay for stays in your house.

Use Energy Strategically

Cut down on your energy consumption by harnessing the power of the sun. Open the shades of all windows that get sun exposure during the day and close them at night. Cover drafty windows with clear insulating plastic. If you have zone heating, adjust it to heat only the rooms you're using. Turn down the heat in spare bedrooms and unused living spaces.Consider also upgrading your home's windows to our Green Energy window replacement service. Insulated to help keep the heat in, you won't have to worry about drafts in your home or any drops in temperature that could affect your family.Use the same principle with your lights: Use them only in rooms that are occupied. If you routinely forget to turn off unnecessary lights, consider installing vacancy light sensors that turn lights off in empty rooms.

Decorate Efficiently

Your holiday traditions don't have to suffer when you're focused on energy savings. Switch your traditional lights out for LED versions, which use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than the old incandescent lights. LED holiday lights are readily available, so making the switch is easy.Another way to decrease your energy usage and increase your home's festive atmosphere is to use candles. They can give a room a warm, golden glow that you just don't get from overhead lights, but you must use candles very carefully and never leave them unsupervised.Opt for flameless candles around children and pets, and if you use real flame candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from things that can burn, such as a Christmas tree.Ready to start saving this winter? Contact Green Energy of SA today to get your home for the colder weather ahead.