Heating your Apartment is the biggest energy cost during the Winter. Well there is good news –You can keep your apartment warm without going broke!

Here are some helpful tips to keep heat in:

• If you have storm windows, make sure they are closed.
• Install covers on window and through the wall air-conditioners.
• If you have a fireplace, be sure to close the damper when you are not using it.
• Close shades at night. Leave them open during the day for solar heating.

Controlling Temperature and Humidity

Setting the Thermostat one Degree cooler can save you 3% on your monthly heating bill. It is good practice to not set your thermostat above 72 degrees when you are home. When sleeping or away, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees. Also, if possible, turn down the heat going to any unused rooms. Note: never turn off your heat during winter months when you leave your apartment–pipes may freeze and burst causing your apartment to be flooded!

During the winter you will feel warmer in your home if the air is not too dry. Be sure to keep the relative humidity between 20 percent and 40 percent. This will let you lower the thermostat temperature without feeling cold.

Appliances

• Keep refrigerators between 37-40 degrees F for the fresh food compartment and 0-5 degrees F for the frozen food compartment.
• Replace broken door gaskets.
• Don’t let more than a quarter inch of frost build up in the freezer. Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers.

Lighting

• Use natural light whenever possible
• Turn off lights when you are not using them
• Use energy efficient bulbs