Heating a home takes two to three times more energy than cooling a home, so the work you do could add up to savings during the winter months.

• Install plug outlet covers on any unused outlet. About 20 percent of the air that escapes your home escapes through outlet openings.
• If you have a fireplace, install a glass fire screen to keep heated air from escaping through your chimney.
• Insulate indoor water pipes in unheated spaces.
• Inspect insulation to make sure it’s not blocking ducts or vents. Blown-in insulation can settle over time and may need to be fluffed up or increased.
• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees. For every degree you raise the temperature, you add 3 to 5 percent to your electric bill.
• If your home uses a heat pump, raise the thermostat setting two degrees at a time when adjusting the temperature. This will avoid running the compressor and supplemental heat at the same time.
• Air can enter and escape your home through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other areas. Effective caulking can help prevent this.
• Caulk when the temperature is over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the weather is too cold, the caulk may not adhere.
• Caulking should be used only on joints that don't open or close, such as the seam between a window frame and a wall.
• Although most caulk lasts at least 25 years, settling makes it necessary to check your home for cracks in the caulk every few years.

For customized energy-saving ideas tailored to your home, check out our PEC Home Energy Center.