With winter comes the monthly heating bill for your home. Read some tips on saving energy and money:

Open Curtains
Keep the curtains and blinds open during the day to allow sunshine in to warm your home. Close them when the sun goes down to help insulate the windows. (During winter, thicker curtains are best to create more insulation.)

Window Insulation
Install clear plastic film to create tight seals to the window frame to help with insulation.

Seal Leaks
Look around your home for places where leaks of air can occur, especially around windows and doors. Also looks for places where pipes or cables connect to your home.

Thermostat
See if you can lower the setting on your thermostat to a lower setting that you find is still comfortable. At night, consider lowering the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees. A programmable thermostat lets you set the temperature throughout the day. (Wear a cozy sweater or hoodie and some warm socks!)

Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help provide better ventilation and airflow. During winter have the fan rotate clockwise to trap heat. Turn the fan on a low setting so it gently pushes hot air back down into the room.

Maintaining Your Heating System
Have your heating system cleaned and maintained yearly. Replace the air filter to improve efficiency.

Fireplace
Maintain your fireplace by making sure it is cleaned and sealed. Keep the flue closed when you are not using the fireplace.

LED Holiday Lights
LED holiday lights use less energy than old-styled lights and will save you money.

Water Heater
Wrap your water heater with insulation during the winter. (You can purchase water heater insulator kits at Home Depot.)

Insulation
Add insulation in the attic, basement and external walls to increase heat retention in your home.

Unused Rooms?
If you have rooms you are not using, be sure to shut off the heat to those areas.

Heating Vents
Make sure your heating vents are not covered with furniture or rugs.

Unplug Appliances
If you have appliances that you are not using (like a second refrigerator), unplug them.

Need assistance with your energy-saving activities in your home? Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services.

Want to read more information? Duke Energy has more tips to read and heed.