Here
are four non-polluting ways
By: Emily Zak
But you don’t
necessarily have to turn your heat off and wear a parka to conserve energy.
Here’s how you can comfortably stay warm as temperatures drop even
further.
1.
INSULATE
Don’t let the warmth
you create escape outside. Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors, as well
as using a store-bought or homemade draft stopper – a tube-like object that you
put at the base to keep the cold from creeping in. Pipe insulation works fine
for this purpose. Shrink-wrap the windows you don’t plan on opening
until spring, and use rugs to insulate hard floors.
But don’t overlook your biggest energy thieves. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, 55 percent of heat leaves through your walls and roof. Consider hanging up blankets on the walls in cold areas. In the long run, insulate better. The Department of Energy offers some detailed tips for air-sealing your home.
2.
MAKE PRE-EXISTING HEAT LAST
Winter is a perfect time
to throw together a casserole or bake some cookies in the oven. Once you make
sure the temperature is off and clear any children or pets from
the vicinity, you can take advantage of the remaining heat by leaving the door
open.
In areas where you don’t have to worry about mildew, you can similarly leave hot water in the tub after you’re finished with a bath.
In areas where you don’t have to worry about mildew, you can similarly leave hot water in the tub after you’re finished with a bath.
Open your south-facing
window shades to let the winter sun stream in, and close them at sundown. Now
is also the time to break out your coziest sweaters, slippers and blankets to
harness your own natural body heat. Cuddle your pet or someone else!
3.
WATCH YOUR THERMOSTAT
According to the Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down about 10
degrees lower than where you usually have it can shave 10 percent off your
energy bill in a year. Try setting it at 68 degrees — or less, if preferred —
when you’re awake, and turning it down when you’re asleep or away.
With a
programmable thermostat, you can set your desired temperatures
depending on the time of day, so it adjusts automatically.
4.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEATING TOOLS
It’s an age-old
question: Should you use a space heater or central heating to warm up your
space?
Mother Jones‘ Kiera Butler found that space heaters are more efficient if you need to heat one or two rooms, but central heating is your best bet otherwise. Take steps like keeping your filters clean and getting your heating system serviced to help it run at its best.
Mother Jones‘ Kiera Butler found that space heaters are more efficient if you need to heat one or two rooms, but central heating is your best bet otherwise. Take steps like keeping your filters clean and getting your heating system serviced to help it run at its best.
If you do go the space
heater route: Try a radiant heater if you need to heat up a small space, and a
convection heater if you’re aiming to warm the whole room. Some heaters
are more eco-friendly than others, so it pays to do your research.
Do you prefer getting
snug by a wood-stove? If it’s in your budget, consider upgrading your old pot
belly to a more modern stove. Block your
chimney when you aren’t
using it to guard against the outside chill.
No matter the route
you choose, make sure to circulate your heat to where you need it. Run a
ceiling fan on reverse or a fan to spread hot air through the house.
Make sure your heating vents aren’t blocked to help the air flow.
About Emily Follow Emily at @EmilyEZak
About Emily Follow Emily at @EmilyEZak