The US Department of Energy's "Stay Warm, Save Money" program provides a helpful list of easy ways to stay warm this winter while saving money! Remember, it's never too late to save energy!

No-Cost and Low-Cost Tips to Save Energy This Winter

Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun

Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Cover Drafty Windows

Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

• Find out about other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.

Adjust the Temperature

When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.

When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

• Find out how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
• Also see ENERGY STAR's June 5, 2008, podcast for video instructions on operating your programmable thermostat.

Find and Seal Leaks

Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumbing penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.

• Find out how to detect air leaks.
• Learn more about air sealing new and existing homes.

Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

• Find how to select and apply the appropriate caulk.
• Learn how to select and apply weatherstripping.

Maintain Your Heating Systems

• Schedule service for your heating system.
  • Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.
• Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
  • Find out more about maintaining your furnace or boiler.
• Wood- and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically to ensure that your home is heated efficiently.
  • Find other maintenance recommendations for wood- and pellet-burning appliances.

Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs

Use light-emitting diode—or "LED"—holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

• Learn about the advantages and potential cost savings of LED holiday light strings.
• Find manufacturers and brands of ENERGY STAR®-qualified decorative light strings.
   

Look for Financial Incentives: Rebates and incentives can help make your weatherization project affordable. Learn about applicable rebates from the federal government, Questar and Rocky Mountain Power. 

Learn more at our "How To" for homes page.

Resources

• Download Utah Clean Energy's Home Energy Checklist.
• Download the Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR.
• Contact ThermWise to schedule a $25 home energy audit. (Call Questar Gas at (800) 695-7375 or send an e-mail to ThermWise).

If you meet certain income criteria, you may qualify for free weatherization from the State Low Income Weatherization Program.