5 Tips to Help You Save on Energy Bills this Winter

 

"December 21st marks the start of the winter season. For many Americans, cold and often freezing temperatures means higher utility bills to keep warm.

Keep your energy bills in check by following a few simple tips around your home.

1. Cover and Repair Windows
   • Windows can be a major source of lost heat from the inside of your home, especially those that are not insulated for cold weather. Ensure windows are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. Caulking small gaps, applying weatherstripping to movable parts, and using window attachments can help keep you warm this winter.
     
     
2. Check and Replace Central Heating Filters Regularly
   • Dirty filters trap lint, pollen, dust, and more that can reduce airflow. This makes your system work harder, taking longer to heat your home, and driving up costs. Make sure to check your filter every month. If it’s dirty, change it. At a minimum, replace your filter at least once every three months.
     
     
3. Make Energy Efficient Upgrades Around Your Home
   • Making it easier and more affordable for consumers to choose energy efficient appliances in their homes is a huge priority of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Visit www.CleanEnergy.gov to learn more about the tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available to help you make clean energy upgrades in 2023 and beyond.
     
     
4. Program or Adjust Your Thermostat
   • Make sure you heat your home only when you or others are around to reduce extra costs. Programmable thermostats allow you to monitor and set your heat usage, so you can have ease of mind. Consider upgrading your system or adjust your thermostat manually when you go out for the day.
     
     
5.  Use Your Ceiling Fan to Keep Warm
   • While ceiling fans are thought to be a summer tool to combat the heat, they can also be used during the winter to keep warm air circulating below the fan. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This will create an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. The ceiling fan won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm. Remember to turn off your fan when no one is in the room to keep cutting costs!
     Energy Saving Tips 

6 Tips to Stay Active This Winter

"Whether indoors or outdoors, be as active as you can—and have fun!

The winter season can be a challenging time to stay active, with colder temperatures, slippery conditions, and fewer daylight hours. But staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve your mental and physical health and keep yourself on track to reach your fitness goals. Physical activity can help you sleep better and reduce anxiety. Regular physical activity also helps you feel better, improve your balance, lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and many kinds of cancer, strengthen bones and muscles, lower blood pressure, maintain or lose weight, and keep your mind sharp as you get older. Emerging research also suggests physical activity may help boost your immune function.

Experts recommendexternal icon adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity. Many activities count, such as walking, running, or wheelchair rolling. You can break that up into smaller chunks of time or spread your activity out during the week. Try 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It all counts. Get started today with our 6 tips to stay active all winter long.

1. Take nature walks.

Weather permitting, schedule time during the day to enjoy nature. Take a stroll around a safe neighborhood or park.

2. Monitor the weather and plan ahead.

Weather forecasts give several days’ notice to prepare your week. Be sure to monitor the weather, dress appropriately, and plan your winter activity accordingly.

3. Wear layers.

Wear several layers of comfortable clothing so that items can be removed easily as you become warmer. Layers will help you guard against overheating, sweating, and eventually becoming colder.

4. Workout online.

Consider tuning into a TV, online, live Zoom, or Instagram workout class. Find free or low-cost exercise videos online to help you do aerobics, dance, stretch, and build strength.

5. Do some chores.

When bad weather keeps you from going outside, look for ways to be physically active indoors. Housework such as vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning all count towards your physical activity goals. And you’ll knock out some items on your to-do list while gaining health benefits. Walking or running up and down stairs in your home can be a great workout, too.

6. Volunteer in active ways while maintaining social distance.

Help others while helping yourself. Look for volunteer opportunities that involve physical activity such as walking dogs for elderly neighbors or shoveling snow. When volunteering, remember to follow social distancing recommendations to keep yourself and others safe.."
Winter activity 

Protect Workers This Winter

"With winter around the corner, hazards such as freezing temperatures, downed power lines and icy roads can affect workers, so it is important to prepare for winter storms before they arrive. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources for common winter weather hazards to help employers and workers stay safe.

Here are some best practices to remember as you prepare:

1. Train workers. Employers need to identify potential winter hazards and provide necessary training.
2. Prevent cold stress. Be sure to monitor workers’ physical conditions during tasks, especially new workers who may not be used to working in the cold. Train workers on cold stress hazards and prevention, provide engineering controls like radiant heaters, gradually introduce workers to the cold, monitor workers and schedule breaks in warm areas. Find more information on how to prevent cold stress in OSHA’s Cold Stress Safety and Health Guide.
3. Dress appropriately. When cold weather conditions cannot be avoided, wearing the right clothing  can help protect workers from cold stress:
   • Stay dry – wet clothing chills the body quickly.
   • Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
   • Wear hats, insulated gloves, and insulated, waterproof boots.
4. Provide engineering controls or implement safe work practices. Use radiant heaters to warm outdoor workplaces such as security stations or curbside pick-up locations. If possible, employers should shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill. Also, safely use aerial lifts or ladders to apply de-icing materials to roofs to protect workers from falling. See OSHA’s winter weather page for more safe work practices.
5. Never use portable generators indoors. Check out OSHA’s guidance on properly working with generators. Safe generator use involves:
   • Placing generators away from doors, windows or ventilation shafts where carbon monoxide can enter and build up with deadly consequences.
   • Inspecting them for damage or loose fuel lines.
   • Keeping them dry.
   • Maintaining and operating generators according to manufacturer instructions.

Learn more about how to prevent injury and illness during a winter storm and find resources in English and Spanish..."
Workers and winter 

Get your snowstorm smarts on: 8 forecast tools to use this winter

"Here's a secret for you: At NOAA’s National Weather Service, we’re like kids when it comes to snow. We love it! If you love snow like we do, become a snow-it-all in time for the winter solstice on December 21.

We’ve got 8 winter weather forecast tools you can tinker with on your mobile device or computer. Use them regularly to see where, when and how much snow, ice and wind is predicted:

1. Weather.gov: One-stop shopping for all your forecast needs

Feeling the [wind] chill? At weather.gov, you can plug in your Zip Code in the upper left-hand window, click “go,” and get the custom forecast for your location — including any local watches or warnings in effect — directly from your local forecast office. We have 122 of them across the country...." 
Snow forecasts

When Working in the Cold, Be Prepared and Be Aware

"When you must work in the cold, always be prepared and be aware.

Workers in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Exposure to cold can be an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. For outdoor workers, what constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions where workers are unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. Whenever outdoor temperatures drop significantly below normal and wind speed increases, heat more rapidly leaves the body. Serious health problems can occur when the body is unable to stay warm enough.

When you must work in the cold, always be prepared and be aware.

Be Prepared

Be prepared by wearing warm clothing. Workers who must be in the cold should wear warm clothing that is right for the weather. Wear several layers of loose clothing. Layering provides better insulation. Wear gloves to protect the hands, and a hat and/or hood to protect the head. In wet conditions, wear waterproof shoes that have good traction. Make sure that your cold weather gear does not restrict your movement or block your eyesight.

Be prepared to limit your time outside. Take breaks in warm locations, such as inside a vehicle or other sheltered or heated area. Workers may also need to limit their time outside on extremely cold days, so cold jobs should be scheduled for the warmest part of the day and relief workers may need to be assigned for long jobs. Be prepared for working in the cold, even if the cold temperatures are not extreme. It is obvious that bitter cold and howling winds can harm you, but did you know that you could suffer cold-related illness and injuries when it is as warm as 60° F?.."
Working in cold

Flu-Free, Healthy Travel this Winter

"Whether traveling to warmer weather or a snow-filled adventure, make sure flu is not your travel companion.

It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t already done so. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to provide protection, so get vaccinated well before your trip to reduce your risk of catching and spreading flu.

Wherever you may be going this winter, protecting yourself and others from flu is important. Here are some useful tips for staying healthy during the winter months.

Before Your Trip

Get vaccinated.

Flu vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing flu. If you have not gotten your vaccine already, it’s important to get it before you travel. Flu vaccines are available in many places, including doctors’ offices, health departments and pharmacies. You can also use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder if you need help finding places that offer flu vaccine in your area. Getting vaccinated now is the best way to protect yourself against flu..."
Flu and winter travel

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

"Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Take These Steps for Your Home

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

• Winterize your home.
  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Check your heating systems.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
    • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
    • Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion..."
      Winter safety

NOAA’s Winter Weather Safety Campaign Urges Citizens and Businesses to be Prepared

"Winter storms, snow, windchill, frost, ice and extreme cold are a coast-to-coast threat to the United States and its territories. Even Hawaii gets snow on its Big Island and frost is a major threat to crops in Southern states. Major cities as far south as Atlanta and Dallas have been paralyzed by snow and ice. And, the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wants you to be prepared. 

December 1st marked the beginning of meteorological winter. Frigid temperatures, heavy snow, icy roads, strong winds, flooding and more can make winter particularly dangerous. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for the hazardous weather this winter will bring by checking out the National Weather Service's Winter Safety Web site at their  Winter Preparedness page.  This page is designed to teach you how to stay safe in a winter storm or in abnormally cold weather for your area. If you know what to do before, during, and after a winter event, you can increase your chances of survival..."
Winter safety

Flu-Free, Healthy Travel this Winter

"Whether traveling to warmer weather or a snow-filled adventure, make sure the flu is not your travel companion. Get a flu vaccine if you haven’t already done so. It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to provide protection, so get vaccinated well before your trip to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the flu..."
Winter Travel

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

"Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.
Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months..."
Winter Weather

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

"Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on the elderly..."
Winter weather

Ward off Energy Waste

Find energy saving tips for winter heating from the U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Waste

Ten Ways to Save Money, Energy and Protect Your Health This Winter

 1. Maintain your heating equipment to lower utility bill
 2. Download EPA’s free Apps to help protect your health
 3. Decorate for the holidays with Energy Star light strings that can last up to 10 times longer
 4. Lower the temperature in your home to increase savings up to 12 percent
 5.Check for water leaks and install WaterSense products to save approximately $170 per    year.
 6.Reduce your food waste. Feed people, not landfills.
 7.Look for the Design for the Environment label on more than 2,800 products during winter cleaning. 
 8.Test your home for radon gas, 1 in 15 homes may have elevated levels
 9.Learn before you burn and cut firewood use by more than 30 percent
10.Prevent Pests.

Ten Ways to Save Money, Energy and Protect Your Health This Winter

Winter Storms and Extreme Weather

Find tips for dealing with winter weather and extreme conditions.

Safe and Healthy Winter

"Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets..."

Short‐Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook

"EIA projects average household heating expenditures for natural gas, propane,and heating oil will increase by 3 percent, 7 percent, and 8 percent,respectively, this winter (October 1 to March 31) compared with last winter,while electricity heating expenditures fall by less than 1 percent.  Average expenditures for households that heat with oil are forecast to be higher than in
any previous winter.."

Be Prepared: Staying Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather
"Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets..."