4 Tips For Being More Energy Efficient This Winter

With the nights getting longer, the days colder, and snow on the horizon, there's no denying it: winter's on its way. While it doesn't technically arrive until next month there's already a pretty strong chill in the air. As energy prices continue to rise heating your home this winter could be very expensive. To help you cut costs, we've compiled a list of simple measures you can undertake to make your home more energy efficient. Spending less on your energy bills means you'll have more to put towards your heating costs. Check out our list below and start saving today.

1. Be smart about when you use your major appliances - Did you know there are peak times for energy consumption? A time is considered peak when there's consistently more energy being consumed during that period. It's more expensive to use energy at these times. For many areas peak times are on weekday mornings and early evenings. Using your major appliances in off peak times can go a long way on your energy bill. Be conscious of when you're running your dishwasher or doing a load of laundry.

Image via House & Home

Consult your electric company to learn exactly when your area's peak times are.

2. Don't let the heat out - Seal your windows, doors, and any cracks in your foundation. It's harder to heat a home where cold air has a lot of entry points. Closing them up will keep the heat in and the cold out, and it also helps to protect against bugs and rodents.

Image via Apartment Therapy

3. Think first - Before you open the refrigerator think about what you'd like. Standing with the fridge door open for a few moments may not seem like a particularly wasteful or expensive habit, but it adds up. Pausing to decide what you'd like to eat before opening the fridge is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption.

Image via House & Home

4. Switch to energy efficient bulbs - Choosing the more energy efficient version of any appliance or system will help to lessen the energy usage in your home. That said, energy efficient appliances are expensive and it's not often that you have to replace these items. However, you do have to replace your light bulbs on a more frequent basis, and their energy efficient counterparts are available for a very reasonable price. If you're due to replace any of your major appliances definitely select an energy efficient model. If not, get energy efficient bulbs the next time you need them.

Image via NPR

We've outlined some very straightforward and non-invasive actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Would you be interested in reading about more complex measures homeowners can try to make their properties even more efficient? Let us know below.

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Orlando Exhibitor Spotlight: Advanced Film Solutions Inc.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

You won't want to miss Advanced Film Solutions Inc. at our 
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6)! 

Get to know this fabulous exhibitor!

• Location:
• Orlando - Tampa - Sarasota
• Describe your product(s) or service(s):
• Solar and solar security window film coatings that lower energy costs, block UV and glare and provide home comfort.
• What are your best home or garden tips for this season?
• Cover west and east facing glass and you can anticipate 30% lower electric bills.
• What are your featured items this season?
• Our all season EnerLogic Films have created incredible buzz thanks to the winter and summer insulating benefits.
• What is the strangest client request you've ever received?
• Tint an alarm clock.
• Fun company fact:
• We have earned the Super Service Award for the last two years from Angie's List.
• Give them a call: 
• Call Advanced Film Solutions Inc. today at (407) 843-9350! 

You can catch Advanced Film Solutions Inc. at our 
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6) at the Orange County Convention Center! 

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