Hot Tips to Save Money this Winter

Saving energy and money is a lot easier than you think. Here are no-cost tips to trim expenses this winter:

• Health permitting, set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night and when no one's home. Each degree over 68 can increase the amount of energy you use by three percent.
• Keep warm air vents clean.
• If you have a hot water heating system, release trapped air from radiators.
• Use your ceiling fan to push warm air down. (Make sure the fan blades are spinning clockwise at low speed.)
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use.
• Unplug electronic appliances — cell phone charger, TV, computer, and just about anything with a remote control and digital display — when not in use. When plugged into an outlet, these devices still use electricity.
• Move furniture, drapes and other objects that are blocking radiators or heating vents.
• Remove window air conditioners in winter — or at least cover them to stop drafts.