Brian of PizzaspotzAt PizzaSpotz.com, we’re all about helping you eat more pizza. Today, we have the top ten energy saving tips to help you save money during winter time. If you follow these energy saving tips, you will have more money to spend on pizza this winter. So whether you like pepperoni, olives, hamburger or chicken on your pizza, we want you to have more money to buy it and simply following these 10 energy saving tips will help you have that extra cash. This list was originally found in the public domain here. We added the pizza reference. : )
Top Ten Energy Saving Tips for Winter
10. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
Lighting makes up about 10 percent of home energy costs, and CFLs can save up to 75 percent of that energy. They also last longer, saving money on replacements. (be careful if these break, you may get mercury poisoning).
9. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use
Use multiple-outlet strips so you can turn everything off with one flip of a switch.
8. Wood and pellet burning heaters
Clean the flue vent regularly and the inside of the appliance periodically with a wire brush.
7. Fireplace efficiency
Plug and seal the chimney flue of fireplaces that are never used.
When using fireplaces, keep the damper closed unless a fire is going and make sure the damper is as snug as possible. Caulk around the fireplace hearth. Consider installing tempered glass doors and a heat-exchanger system to blow warm air back into the room. When a fire is lit, open dampers or open nearest window about an inch, close doors leading into the room, and lower your thermostat to between 50° and 55°F.
6. Turn down the temperature on water heaters and provide good insulation
Most water heaters are set to 140°F, but at 115 to 120°F you’ll still have plenty of hot water. Insulate hot water pipes and, if your water heater is over 7 years old, consider a “wrap” to insulate the tank. Also consider heat traps on water heater
tanks, timers that use off-peak power for electric water heaters, hot water recirculation loops, and drain-water heat recovery systems.
5. Add insulation to your attic
With the right safety practices, this can be a do-it-yourself project.
4. Take advantage of the sun’s heat and light
Keep your south-facing windows clean. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close all curtains at night.
3. Reduce air leaks (can save up to 10% on energy bills)
2. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable
Roll temperatures back by 10 to 15°F before bed and before leaving for work.
And number one on our “Top Ten Energy Saving Tips So You Can Afford More Pizza” list is……
1. Maintain air filters and HVAC equipment
Well-maintained equipment runs more efficiently, so change your air filter monthly or as needed and tune up your HVAC equipment yearly.