10/01/2026
As we start to move into the chillier months, it's time to shift some habits to save on energy.
- Adjust your ceiling fan:
Hot air gets trapped at the ceiling, but your ceiling fan can help push it downward, which in turn helps your rooms remain warmer. Change the controls so the fan rotates clockwise at a low setting.
- Lower your thermostat:
Lower it at night by 10 degrees, and you might save up to 10% on your heating costs. But if that's too cold for you, lower it by just 1 degree over an 8-hour period, and you may save yourself 1% on your home's heating bill
Set the built-in capabilities to program the thermostat to adjust temperatures during the day, when no one is at home, and at night, when you're covered up by blankets and asleep. ENERGY STAR reports that this could save you up to $180 annually.
During extreme cold it is recommended to leave the thermostat on a consistent temperature so the furnace does not strain to catch up.
- Consider a smart thermostat:
Energy saving thermostats can pick up on your family's behaviors, can be accessed from a remote location via a smartphone, and may adjust temperatures based on the conditions of the environment like levels of humidity. As a result, a smart thermostat may save you some money
- Lower the temperature on your water heater:
Turn down the highest setting on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to trim even more from your utility bills.
- Close off unused rooms:
Don't spend a lot of time in a guest room or finished attic? Close the vents and the door, too, to reduce the square feet you have to heat
