Home > Mom's Life > Managing Your Home > Going Green > 10 Surefire Ways to Save Energy and Stay Warm This Winter

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

10 Surefire Ways to Save Energy and Stay Warm This Winter

by Lindsay Hutton

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household will spend more than $1,600 on home utility bills in 2008. What's even more discouraging is that a large portion of that energy will be wasted. With a worsening economy and rising energy costs, many people are looking to save a few dollars wherever they can. We've come up with a list of the top 10 ways to save money (and energy) this winter.

Previous
1 of 11
Slide 0
Next

Turn Down Your Thermostat

For every degree you lower your thermostat in the 60-70 degree range, you save about 5% on heating costs. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, and 55 degrees at night and when you are leaving home for an extended amount of time. By setting the thermostat lower while sleeping or away, you can save anywhere from 5-20% on heating costs. Along the same lines, lower your hot water temperature. Set the water heater to the normal setting, or 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (Check the owner's manual for your dishwasher to see whether it requires a higher setting.)

Next: Conserve Water

you might also like:

from our community:

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  3. Top 10 Classic Board Games for Kids
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Get on the Path to Parenting Success
Every journey starts with a few small steps, and parenting is no different. Get positive support, tips and tools for helping your kids reach for success! Click here for more information from ParentFurther.

End-of-Year Anxiety in Kids
Wait - don't children love the end of the school year?! While most of them do, many kids get worried and tense during this time of transition. Learn how to help them cope.

SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips
Is your teen nervous about taking the SATs and ACTs? Check out the top 10 tips to help him prepare for these big standardized tests.