Winter’s cold temperatures bring an increased demand for electricity, as people turn on their heating systems to help stay warm. Haywood EMC wants you to know there are some simple things you can do to stay warm and manage your heating bills this winter.

• Lower your thermostat: Set your thermostat as low as you can and still be comfortable. One should set the temperature at 68 degrees or lower for winter heating. By setting the thermostat at 66 or 64, you can save up to 10-20% in heating costs.
• Take showers instead of baths: Bathing uses more hot water in the average household, up to 25 gallons. A five-minute shower uses less hot water and could add up to substantial savings over time.
• Keep warm air inside: Make sure all windows are closed tightly and locked. Raise shades and open curtains during the day. Close shades and curtains at night.
• Keep the garage door closed: If the garage is attached to the house.
• Seal holes and cracks around windows, doors and walls: You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by reducing leaks with caulking or weather stripping. Close off vents or registers in rooms that you are not using and close the door.
• Remove furniture or items which block vents: Supplying and returning air to the furnace.
• Increase insulation: In attic, crawl space and basement. Since heat rises, adding a layer of insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective ways to conserve heat.
• Clean or change your furnace filter: So that your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Take the “Home Energy Adventure” or check out our “Touchstone Energy Savers”: These will give you recommendations for making your home more energy efficient as well as calculate annual savings. Visit haywoodemc.com and click on the “Energy Efficiency” link on our home page.
• Call Haywood EMC and ask about their whole house energy audit: Your electric co-op has staff that will do a whole house energy audit using the latest technology in thermal imaging, blower door and duct blaster to identify air leaks. Call 1-800-951-6088 or (828) 452- 2281 today. Let Haywood EMC help manage your costs!