Colorado’s chilly temps combined with today’s volatile energy market are enough to make anyone shiver. But don’t worry! The following tips will help you keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills.

No- to Low-Cost Suggestions

• Replace air filters every one to two months. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making the furnace work harder and use more energy. 
• Seal doors, windows and exterior cracks and holes. Even small cracks in the outside of your home can cause substantial heating losses.
• Install window coverings. Open them during the day to allow heat to enter and close them at night to keep it inside.
• Use programmable thermostats. Adjust the temperature settings for when you are not home or are asleep.
• Lower the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees. Most new water heaters are set at 140 degrees.
• Close your fireplace damper when not in use. Don’t Forget The Appliances
• Turn off that computer. Leaving it on night and day will result in elevated electric bills.
• Run dishwashers well after dinner. This will reduce peak energy demand. Letting dishes air dry instead of using the drying function will further lower costs.
• Turn off exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms when not in use. All the heated air in your home can be drawn out an exhaust fan in one hour!
• Take short, five-minute showers. Installing nonaerating low-flow showerheads and faucets will further reduce energy costs. 

Spend Some to Save Some

• Install attic insulation if your current insulation is less than six inches thick.
• Retire outdated appliances. Getting rid of an old refrigerator, washing
  machine or dishwasher and replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model
  can result in considerable savings. Seek out the Energy Star label.
• Use dimmer switches and motion sensors to operate lights when you are
  not home.