Having lived in St. Louis most of my life, I am well aware of how treacherous the winter season can be. Living in the heart of the Midwest can below-freezing temperatures, bitter winds, and seemingly endless days of overcast skies. It is certainly a time of year when the heat and lights are used at a much higher rate than other times of the year.

Sure enough, the winter weather often means lower temperatures and higher energy bills. Fortunately, employing a few energy-saving tricks can be good for the environment and good for your wallet. If you want to know how to save a few bucks, try these great St. Louis energy-saving tricks to use in Fall and Winter:

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter

Your Heating and Cooling System 

For maximum savings, keep your thermostat no higher than between 66 and 68 degrees when you are home. When you are not home, program your system to drop as much as 10 to 15 degrees. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, that can save you up to 15 percent on your power bill every month.

Additionally, you want to make sure your system is running efficiently. You can achieve this by:

• Regularly changing out your filters
• Having your air ducts cleaned
• Asking a professional to inspect your system

Dirt, debris and mechanical problems will all affect your unit’s efficiency and your utility bill. You should also make sure that all of your vents are clear of furniture or draperies, which not only poses a fire hazard but also prevents heat from getting to where it needs to be.

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter

Weatherize Your Home

Air leaks are a major culprit over winter. All that warm air that your HVAC works so hard to generate can slip through gaps in your windows and doors. You can simply caulk any drafty areas and make sure all windows and doors are locked, which will ensure that they are resistant to drafts. If your windows are particularly old, you might want to explore the option of upgrading to energy-efficient options.

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter

Take in the Sun

The sun is a free source of light and heat, so use it. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to allow that solar warmth to come into your home. At night, make sure you close curtains and blinds to retain that heat.

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter

Check Your Appliances

Winter is a great time of year to assess the way your appliances are working. Odds are that you are spending more time indoors and cooking warm meals. You can purchase a device at a home improvement store that will assess how energy-efficient your appliances are. While it may be a cost upfront to upgrade to a newer model of oven or dishwasher, you will save money over the long run.

.

Use Your Ceiling Fan

It may sound odd, but you should flip on your fans during the winter. According to DirectBuy, homes that have good ventilation tend to be more energy-efficient, and a ceiling fan is useful in creating a steady airflow. During the winter, the blades should turn in a clockwise direction, which actually helps to keep warm air in the room. In the summer, switch the blades to move counterclockwise, which will push that hot air up and out of the room.

.

Each of these tips takes only a few minutes to do and will help you save money on your power bill during cooler temperatures. You can always consult with an energy efficiency specialist to learn more about ways to keep your home comfortable and affordable.

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter

.

What steps do you take to save energy in your home during the fall and winter months? Share with me below or tell me about it at: melisasource@yahoo.com.

St. Louis Energy-Saving Tricks to Use In Fall And Winter