Top 11 Low Cost Steps You Can Do This Winter

1. Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to stop air leaks. Seal any gaps in floor and walls around pipes and electrical wiring.
2. Change filters in your heating system monthly. Use your electric bill as a monthly reminder.
3. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
4. Repair air leaks and seal and insulate heating system ductwork.
5. Add insulation to your attic, crawl space and any accessible exterior walls. Add pipe insulation to first 5 feet of water pipe coming from your water heater. Install light switch and electrical outlet seals on exterior walls.
6. Turn down your heating system’s thermostat to 68°F. Turn it down even lower if no one is home for several days.
7. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing large or small appliances.
8. Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use. Don’t send warm air up the chimney.
9. Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads & repair leaky faucets.
10. Use power strips for home electronics, and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use. TV’s and DVD players, etc. still use power when the switch is off.
11. Consider having a certified TVA/BRMEMC Energy Technician/Auditor conduct an IHEE (In-Home Energy Evaluation) on your home. Inspection fee is determined by the overall square footage of your home. Call Blue Ridge Mountain EMC for details.