Ten Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill This Winter

We all know opening our energy bills in the winter can sometimes cause a wince, maybe a gasp, or even a little yelp. I’m here to tell you, don’t panic. I know you want to tell me that I have no control over the dropping temps. Or, that you did lower the “at home” temperature setting, and really lowered the “away” temperature setting on your thermostat. Hey, that is a good start. It’s on our list too. However, what if I told you there were ten ways to save on your energy bill this winter? I’ve partnered with National Fuel Gas Company to help you not only be a good Samaritan and reduce emissions in the atmosphere but to also put a little more money in your pocket these next few months.

* This post was sponsored by National Fuel. While I was compensated to write a post about National Fuel, all opinions are my own. #ad #sponsored

The Conservation Incentive Program

Though we completely renovated it, our home is still over 120 years old. We knew that investing in energy-saving construction and appliances were key to our comfort and the future worth of the house. What we didn’t know was that by doing so it could actually be rewarded based on our purchases. Through National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program we were able to earn money back because we implemented new, energy-efficient appliances. Both our washer and dryer are “Energy Star” and therefore energy-efficient appliances, along with our forced air furnace, and even our Ecobee (wifi-enabled) thermostat. The incentives and savings are available for businesses as well. More information, for both residential and commercial, can be found here. You may be entitled to receive anywhere from $50-$600 on each appliance, crazy!!

Besides getting paid for making the right choice, you will save on your energy bill this winter and in the long run. New, high-efficiency appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, boilers, gas dryers, and more, can quickly pay for themselves. The projected annual savings is much higher for more energy-efficient equipment than your standard or outdated equipment. I know they are big purchases but it’s something that in today’s day-in-age you should always keep in mind.

The Conservation Incentive Program is an amazing resource on how to not only save money but to also conserve energy. Any way we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions and improve the preservation of natural gas resources for future generations is so important. I’m not going to lie, we picked most of our appliances because of their physical appearance but there’s a certain peace of mind knowing they are helpful for the environment too. I think that’s the main reason I love this post so much. With the thought of kids one day, and even just with the new year upon us, it’s a constant reminder that we have to work to keep our world a livable, better place.

Weatherization Kits

Isn’t that word so fun?

Weatherization.

It was actually fun to do too! Okay, let me backtrack because you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about. National Fuel created what they call “Weatherization Kits” full of goodies, and I call them goodies because they’ll help you save that money. By doing small, inexpensive adjustments to your home with the tools they provide in the kit you’ll easily have ten ways to save on your energy bill this winter.

With the help of the Weatherization Kit I was able to do ten, yes ten, easy, small, tasks around the house that will put us in a much better situation come next month’s bill.

You know you’ve officially grown up when making your home less costly and better for the environment gets you excited. #Adulting

One Dozen Ways to Save On Your Energy Bill This Winter

1. Put weather stripping on your windows to create a tight seal and prevent drafts.

2. Adjust your thermostats to between 65° and 70° during the winter and even lower when away from the house or at night. By turning your thermostat down for eight straight hours, you can save about 5%-15% a year on your heating bill. Invest in a wi-fi controlled or programmable thermostat. We have the Ecobee and love it!

3. The kit provides electric outlet sealings that you place between the cover plate and the electrical for outlets on exterior walls. This prevents any drafts from coming through.

4. Install the Window Insulation Shrink Kit. It’s actually so simple! Tape along the edge of large windows or doors that you know you won’t have to open in the winter. I did the big sliding door in our bedroom. Once it is taped and trimmed, using a hair dryer, shrink it tight to prevent any future energy loss.

5. The kit also gives you the option of the insulation foam. This is yet another effective way to prevent unnecessary energy loss.

6. Set your water heater to the medium temperature setting. Drain a quart of water from the bottom of
your water heating tank every three months to remove sediment that can hamper the efficiency of your unit.

7. If you have radiators, put a piece of aluminum between them and the wall so that the heat may reflect back into the room.

8. Warm air rises, so use the register cover provided in the kit to direct warm airflow across the floor. Put it on a vent where the directed airflow won’t be blocked by furniture.

9. Set your ceiling fans to the clockwise setting. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back towards the floor.

Thank you all so much for taking part! Stay warm, stay strong, because Winter is Here. (Yes, obviously that was a GOT reference….)

❄PIN THIS IMAGE AND SHARE ❄