As the leaves turn colorful and the cool breeze comes in, here are some great energy saving tips for this fall:

Windows and Insulation

• During sunny days, leave your blinds and drapes open to allow the solar heat to warm your home.
• Check to see if your insulation is up to par. You can find this out by measuring its thickness; if there is less than 7 inches of rock wool or fiberglass, or 6 inches of cellulose, consider adding more.

Heating

• Every degree you lower your thermostat while heating your home, you save about 2 percent on your heating bill. Try it out.
• Adding a humidifier to your home can help you keep your thermostat at lower temperatures while still ensuring optimal comfort.
• Be sure to change your furnace’s filter(s) frequently to achieve improved air flow which in turn allows the furnace to run more efficiently.

Lighting

• Replace light bulbs. Switching to CFLs or LED bulbs can provide greater cost-savings, as they use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Install motion sensors or timers on your external lights. Some lights offer an app for your smartphone, so you can control them from your phone.

Household  

• Chop up leaves with your lawn mower to create a layer of mulch that will slowly break down and give your lawn nutrients.
• Wash laundry with full loads, and try to use cold water as much as possible. Approximately 90% of your washing machine’s energy goes towards heating the water itself.
• When cooking on the stove, make sure to put lids on pots to cook food quicker and save energy.