You probably hear all the time about “winterizing.” To prepare for winter heating, and keep those winter energy bills a bit lower, here are some easy and inexpensive DIY things to do:

• Cover drafty windows with tight-fitting, insulating drapes, shades or heavy-duty clear plastic sealed tightly all-around. When the sun is shining in the window, open the drapes/shades to allow the sun to naturally heat your home.
• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees can save as much as 10 percent of the cost of heating. Programmable thermostats can lower it while you’re gone or sleeping, and raise it when you are home and awake. Instead of raising the thermostat, put on a sweater or blanket.
• Maintain your heating systems, whether that means replacing your filter, cleaning around outside units, etc.
• Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees – the water heater is usually the second-largest consumer of electricity in a home. Save energy and money and avoid burns from overly hot water.
• Switch your lights to LED – traditional bulbs use around 6 times as much energy.
• Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed – it might mean caulking, weather stripping or other methods.
• Keep track of how much energy you are using through SmartHub, an app or online program you can use to also pay your PUD bill or look at your past energy usage.

There are many other bigger projects to do, such as upgrading windows, doors, insulation or getting a ductless heat pump, which the Okanogan PUD offers incentives for. Chat with us if you have any questions!