Save Money this Winter with 10 Easy Tips
As winter rolls around and temperatures drop, many of us cringe at the thought of our energy bills will be when we start running the heater. If you are like me, then you do everything you can to save money on your energy bill, especially with prices where they are right now. Did you know there are ways to boost the heat without turning on the heater? I am sharing my 10 Easy Tips to Save Money on Energy this Winter, a simple DIY solution, and some great information from PG&E on energy efficiency. 
10 Tips to Save Money on Energy this Winter
1. Use Thermal Curtains. Thermal curtains are specifically made to keep heat in during the winter. And bonus, they also keep heat out during the summer.
2. Replace the weather stripping around doors and windows, if possible. It is really amazing how much air can come in through tiny gaps. A strong, thick weather stripping will prevent the cold air from coming in and the heat escaping.
3. Add extra blankets. We beef up our beds during the winter months by adding an extra thick blanket. This will keep everyone warm a cozy at night.
4. Use a ceiling fan. Warm air rises. By reversing your ceiling fan, it will suck the cool air up and push down the warm air to circulate through your home.
5. Wear socks and slippers. Especially if you have hard wood, or tile floors. Cover your feet to keep them warm, reducing the need to turn on the heater.
6. Leave the oven door open after baking. When you are finished baking, turn off the oven but leave the door open. The heat will escape into your home instead of just staying stored up inside.
7. Make a draft stopper. {instructions below} Cool air often comes in through a draft in the bottom of the doors that lead outside. Covering them with an easy DIY door stop will prevent the cool air from coming in just like with the weather stripping.
8. Drop the thermostat. When you DO have to turn on your heater use a programmable thermostat and keep it at 68* during the day and 62-65* at night.
9. Switch out your light bulbs. This is something you can do any time of year but with the addition of Christmas lights being hung around the holidays, it is worth adding. Switch your light bulbs to energy efficient ones. Replace the ones in your home lights a well as using energy efficient strings of lights in your holiday decorating.
10. Turn off electronics. One of the easiest ways to save money when you leave the home and at night, make sure you’ve turned off and/or unplugged any electronics that aren’t being used. Most people are aware of how being energy efficient directly benefits them by saving money, time, and improving their overall quality of life, but di you also know how it can indirectly benefit you? Being energy efficient takes the strain off of the power grid (reducing outages), puts less strain on natural resources (like water), and reduces emissions that can harm the environment. IF you are looking for more ways to make you home more energy efficient, PG&E has some great tips and resources for you that go beyond the “10 easy tips” listed above.
- Everyday Savings Tips (broken down by no cost, low cost, and investment solutions.
- Money Saving Tool to plan your next project
- Rebate Catalog for Appliances
- Refrigerator Recycling Rebate Program
- Plug-in Electric Vehicles
By doing these simple things, you can easily keep your home warmer and put off turning on the heater–saving both energy and money! 
Here’s how to make your own DIY draft stopper. Materials:
- Heavy Fabric
- Poly-fiber fill (pillow stuffing)
- Uncooked Rice
Directions:
- First, measure your door and add two inches for sewing. Mine was 32″ so I will be cutting a length of fabric 34″ long.
- Cut your strip of fabric the length you have measured x 10″ wide
- Fold in half length wise with right sides together and sew a 1/2″ seem along the edge.
- Sew a 1/2″ seem along ONE edge and turn fabric right side out, making a tube.
- Fill with your poly-fiber and rice. Starting with rice, alternately add rice and ploy-fiber until an in from the end.
- Fold end fabric in and sew to close.
Place the draft stopper along the bottom edge of any outside doors to prevent a draft coming in. CONTEST Enter the PG&E #PGEHome Instagram Photo Contest through November 23rd to win $100 gift cards from Home Depot!! More Information can be found by visiting their page HERE. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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