1. You can save on your heating bill by keeping your thermostat at an energy efficient and comfortable setting during the day and turning the heat down at night and when you’re not home. Try 68 degrees F or less during the day and 60 degrees F when you’re away or sleeping.

You'll save approximately 1% for every degree of night setback. When you’re chilly, put on a sweater rather than click on the heat. Night setback is also worth while with boilers (hot water 
heat). However, because of slower recovery times you may not be able to set your thermostat back as much as with a forced air 
furnace.

2. Lower Your Water Temperature. Your hot water is probably hotter than necessary. Most heaters are set at 140 degrees F, and this high a setting is only needed if you 
have a dishwasher without a booster heater. Turn the temperature down to 120 degrees F (medium setting on a gas heater dial), and you’ll 
cut your water–heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Most electric heaters have both an upper and a lower thermostat to adjust. Be sure to first turn
the electricity off at the circuit breaker.

3. Insulate Your Water Heater. To keep your coffee hot, you put it in a thermos or an insulated cup. That same common–sense
approach works for your water heater, too. Wrapping the tank in a blanket of fiberglass insulation will reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 
percent. This means a savings of 4 to 9 percent on your water–heating bill. Water heater jacket kits are available for $10 to $20 at your local
hardware store or through your utility. Be sure to follow the installation directions. It’s especially important not to block exhaust vents
and air intakes on gas models, and thermostat access panels on electric heaters with insulation. 
Insulation wraps and jackets are appropriate for older water heaters and those located in unheated areas. The manufacturer may not basement sill plate and around door and window frames. Also seal little holes around water pipes

and stuff insulation into big holes around plumbing fixtures. Heat leaks out of light switches and electrical outlets, too. Inexpensive 
foam gaskets that fit behind the cover plates easily solve this problem. Remember, every hole you plug means fewer drafts, a cozier home and 
lower heating bills.

7. Install Storm Windows. Once you have sealed air leaks around your windows, you can double their insulating value 
by installing storm windows. Adding another layer of glass or plastic creates a dead air space, and trapped air is an excellent insulator. Plastic 
film window kits are the lowest–cost option and can be easily installed on the inside or outside of your existing windows. Be sure the air space is 
at least1/2 inch and not more than 4 inches.

8. Regularly Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter. All forced air furnaces have filters that keep dust and dirt from blowing into your house. If not 
periodically cleaned or replaced, dirty filters can greatly affect the heating ability of the furnace and waste valuable fuel. Some filters are 
disposable; some can be washed and reused. Do not reuse disposable filters. New ones can often be purchased for less than a dollar. Each 
month of the heating season, clean or replace your furnace filter(s).

9. Watch Your Refrigerator. Refrigerators cost $5 to $8 per month to operate and consume 3 to 5 percent of your home’s total 
energy use. To keep out warm room air, keep the door closed as much as possible. It also helps to regularly clean dust out of the coils and 
to minimize freezer ice build–up. Keep the refrigerator at 36 to 38 degrees F and the freezer at 0 to 5 degrees F. If you have more 
than one refrigerator or freezer and one doesn’t get much use, unplug it and save.

10. Devise an Energy Action Plan! The most important energy saving step of all takes place inside your head. Once you make 
the decision to “do it,” you’ll discover that reducing your home energy consumption is easy and the rewards, great.