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Weatherizing Your Home
Fall 2009
Contact: Joanne Littlefield
Assistant Director-Community Relations
Phone: (970) 491-4640
Joanne.Littlefield@colostate.edu
Cold weather season in Colorado means increased home heating costs. With falling temperatures outside, you may already be dreading your first heating bill. Planning now for an energy efficient home or apartment can help to you manage utility costs and save money this winter. Living a more sustainable lifestyle can be achieved by taking small steps. Colorado State University Extension offers some simple and inexpensive energy conservation ideas to help you get started.
Weatherstripping
Conduct your own home energy efficiency audit to identify heat leaks and cold air drafts. Prevent air leaks by sealing around windows and exterior doors with inexpensive materials. Self-adhesive foam, caulk, and door sweeps can be purchased from your local hardware store. You can also use materials around the house, such as tape and cardboard.
Control Your Thermostat
Reduce your heating bill by setting the thermostat to a comfortable and energy efficient temperature of 68 degrees F when in the home. Set back the thermostat to 60 degrees F when you leave. As another way to save, try lowering the thermostat at night and putting on a fleece or using a blanket to keep the chill away. You can also conserve heat by opening curtains on sunny days and closing them at night. Replacing the furnace filter once a month during heating season will increase the energy and heating efficiency of your furnace.
Control Your Hot Water Heater
Reducing the temperature of your hot water heater can lower heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Try setting it from 140 degrees F down to 120 degrees F. Using less hot water can also help reduce your heating bill. Washing clothes in hot water costs 20 to 40 cents per load. Try washing with full loads in cold or warm water.
For additional home energy ideas, go to www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10619.htm
Updated Tuesday, September 13, 2011
