Save Your Energy This Winter

Winter in Florida. It may sound like an oxymoron, but we do see our share of cold weather during the season. While we may not have to worry about shoveling snow and salting the roads, there are a few things we can keep an eye out for, like saving energy. Here are a few tips to help keep your energy bill down this season.

• Check for leaks. Weather stripping under doors and around windows, caulking around vents, and leaks around air ducts can waste 10-15% of your heating dollars. Before the weather gets too cold, be sure to inspect your home for leaks and make repairs as necessary. This will help to keep the cold air out and heated air in.
• Check your heating system annually. Have a serviceman come out and inspect your unit annually to ensure proper function. If you have a unit that is more than 10 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a new unit. This alone can save you hundreds a year in heating costs. You should also change your filters monthly to keep consistent air circulation. A programmable thermostat is also a smart move as it prevents paying for heating costs while you’re not home.
• Check your insulation. Insulation helps to keep all your warm air in and cool air out. Make sure your attics and basements are properly insulated.
• Turn it off. If you’ll be heading out of town for more than 2 days, you should consider turning off your electric water heater at the breaker. You may also want to consider unplugging electronics like televisions, receivers, and game consoles. Just turning these items “off” leaves them in a standby mode where they are still using energy. Unplugging them will save you a few dollars while you’re gone.
• Change your light bulbs. During the winter season it gets darker earlier. This means we have our lights on for longer. You should consider changing your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (or CFLs). CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescents and last longer. They cost a little more, but they will save you in the long run.

This season, make an effort to save a few dollars while keeping your home nice and warm! Have any tips you’d like to share? Please comment!

www.SkipWrenInsurance.com

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