How to Save Energy in the Winter

East Amherst, along with the rest of New York, can get chilly in the winter, as you may have already noticed! It’s tempting to turn up the heat and keep it high all season long, but this can waste a lot of energy and money. Today the Autumn Creek Blog has a few suggestions inspired by U.S. News’ 10 ways to save on energy costs article) for how you can cut down on energy usage and stay comfortable in your apartment this season.

Switch to LED lights for holiday decor.

We’re pleased to say that we’ve switched over to LED lighting here at Autumn Creek. We hope you like it! In addition to the lighting we provide, if you’re stringing up some lights for ambiance or holiday decorating this year, save energy by switching out your incandescent lighting to LED lights, which use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than older lighting. These are also safer to use in a home, but be sure to always unplug these lights and other appliances when you’re asleep or out of the apartment to further conserve on energy.

Clean.

Having a clean space is a great first step to saving energy because it enables your things to work properly and heat up the apartment the way they’re intended to, without being crowded up by gunk. As Niccole Schreck mentions in her article, “keeping your furnace and vents properly maintained will reduce energy consumption and help you save.”

Use a humidifier.

This is another great tip we were excited to learn from Schreck. As she mentions, “moist air feels warmer and holds heat better, so a humidifier can help you feel comfortable when your thermostat is set at a lower temperature.” Houseplants can also help add humidity to your home and help you on this quest to feel warmer without turning up the heat so much.

Use resources for free or inexpensive heat.

Opportunities for free heat may seem few and far between, but there are small ways you can make the most of them in your home. Open up your blinds and let in the sunlight. Take out your warmest, thickest blankets and comforters — and better yet, clean them right before you go to bed so you can cuddle up with warm, fresh-from-the-dryer sheets and blankets.

Sweaters, scarves, thick socks, and slippers can also help you feel more comfortable. If you’re a fan of hot chocolate or cocoa, make a cup when you’re feeling chilly for a nice treat that not only satisfies your cravings but also helps you feel warm and toasty.

What are your best tips, tricks, hacks, and ideas for cutting down on energy usage? Share with the rest of us by leaving a comment! Thanks for reading. Good luck. We hope these ideas help!