The Right Ways to Save Energy During Cooler Weather

October 22, 2010
October means cooler Friday night lights, fall foliage, and hearing myths about saving energy during the winter months. How many of these popular energy myths shared by Texas utility Reliant Energy have you heard?

Myth #1: Heating systems need less maintenance than air conditioning.

Professional maintenance for your furnace or heat pump every year can prolong the life of your system and save energy.

Myth #2: Keeping your windows covered improves efficiency.

During the cooler fall and winter months, open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home; close them at night to help keep that natural heat inside.

Myth #3: Using a fireplace is an efficient way to heat your home.

A nice fire in the fireplace is great on a chilly evening, but it is not the most efficient way to heat your home. Even more importantly, leaving the chimney flue open all the time sends the warm air in your house straight up the chimney. Be sure to close the damper after the fire dies out or you turn off the gas.

Myth #4: Set it and forget it. Keep your thermostat on the same setting all year long.

A programmable thermostat is a great way to keep comfortable and save energy. But, you need to set it appropriately for the season. Keeping your thermostat at the same temperature all year long, regardless of time
of day or year, can impact your electricity bill. If you have a programmable thermostat, change the setting for winter so that the temperature decreases during the day when you are away from home and warms up just before you return in the evening.

Myth #5: You only need to change your air filter when you’re using your air conditioner.

Check your air filters at least once a month. Regularly replacing dirty filters helps your heating and air conditioning system run better and last longer. Check your filter(s) every time you receive your monthly electricity statement.



A service of YellowBrix, Inc.


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