The Public Utility Commission of Texas suggests setting your thermostat at 68 degrees. They say that every degree of heating above 68 increases your energy usage 6-8%.
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Use more blankets at night instead of raising the temperature on the thermostat.
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Set ceiling fans on reverse to recirculate heat that builds up near the ceiling. This means your fan should be rotating in a clockwise motion during winter. Delmar Fans says that this can save up to 15% on your electric bill.
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Use insulated curtains or other window coverings on cold nights.
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During the day, open interior blinds or curtains to let the sun warm up your home.
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Warm water faucet leaks should be fixed immediately, as they raise your energy consumption rapidly.
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Close vents in unused rooms of your home.
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Don't leave ventilation fans in the kitchen or bathroom running longer than necessary, as they replace warm inside air with cold outside air.
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Check around doors for air leaks; use caulking, sealing and weather stripping to close up seams, cracks and other openings to the outside. Even placing a heavy towel across a door jamb on the floor can help a little, but it is much more efficient to buy these inexpensive products to tighten up those leaky areas.
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If you have a furnace, change the filter monthly. Experts say that this will solve the majority of furnace breakdowns that most people face.
Just a little cold
