Prepare for Winter with Energy Department Resources

on October 21, 2014 at 5:00 PM

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Winter is coming! As temperatures drop and trees change color — and people around the country prepare their homes for the cold weather ahead — the Department of Energy has got you covered with tips for saving energy and keeping cozy all winter long.

  • Did you know space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home? Our Home Heating Infographic has lots of great information about how to save money while still keeping your home warm — such as installing a programmable thermostat, which can help save an estimated 10 percent per year. And our Tips for Cozying up to Winter Weather (Part 1 and Part 2) give even more great advice for preparing. For example, did you know that cleaning out your gutters can lead to energy savings?
  • Need information on different ways to heat your house? Check out Energy Saver’s home heating page, where you’ll find information on heat distribution systems, active solar heating, heat pump systems and more.
  • If you’re interested in prices and supply of heating fuels in your area and around the country, check out the Energy Information Administration’s new Winter Heating Fuels page.
  • Last year, polar vortices pushed temperatures below zero in large swaths of the U.S. To get ready for whatever storms this winter might have in store, check out ready.gov for tips on how to make a plan, build a kit and get involved.

Have questions about home heating? There’s still time submit them to #AskEnergySaver. Just post your questions on social media (whether it’s TwitterFacebookGoogle+ or Instagram) using #AskEnergySaver or email it to newmedia@hq.doe.gov. Energy Department experts will weigh in with answers on Thursday.