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PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR FALL:
10 ENERGY-EFFICIENCY TIPS
As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to cozy up – and cut down on energy use. Simple adjustments can make an impact on your energy savings this season. Here are a few creative ideas to stay warm and efficient this season:
1. Use a humidifier: Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you can stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
2. Cook in batches: Make soups, stews or casseroles in bulk. You’ll use less energy reheating food than cooking from scratch daily.
3. Maintain your heating system. Make sure your heating system is running efficiently by scheduling a maintenance check. Replace filters regularly to ensure your system is working at its best. Schedule your free gas appliances check at sdge.com/GasCheck.
4. Clean light fixtures and bulbs. Dust can reduce brightness. Clean bulbs shine more efficiently, reducing the need for extra lighting.
5. Use ceiling fans wisely. Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, helping to keep your rooms warmer.
6. Close the fireplace damper. When your fireplace is not in use, make sure the damper is closed. An open damper allows warm air to escape up the chimney.
7. Use rugs on bare floors. Rugs add insulation and help rooms retain heat, especially in homes with tile or hardwood flooring.
8. Take shorter showers. Heating water with natural gas can be a big energy expense. Try to take shorter showers and consider installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage.
9. Close off unused rooms. Shut doors and vents in rooms you don’t use often to direct the heat where it’s most needed.
10. Use natural light. Open curtains during sunny days to warm rooms naturally and close them at night to retain heat. Also, thermal curtains help trap heat and reduce drafts.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a warm and cozy home this fall while keeping your energy bills lower. Find more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/SimpleSteps.
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