Energy Conservation: Martha's Foolproof Tips for Winter

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In trying to stay warm during the winter months, it can be easy to forget that heat comes at a steep price. Here's the good news: You can maintain a pleasant room temperature while minimizing your bill by adopting several mindful habits, from learning the nuts and bolts of your thermostat to decreasing the temperature of your bedroom at night.

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Understand the Inner Workings of Your Thermostat

Before solving your home-heating problem, you must understand exactly how a thermostat functions. A thermostat is a box or mounted dial that controls the heating system, cooling system, or heating and cooling of a home. When you turn the dial to select your desired temperature, the thermostat catalyzes the correct system to warm or cool the air in your home.

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Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

In lieu of a simple thermostat without preset options, consider installing a programmable thermostat for your home. A thermostat with a prescribed schedule can prevent undue energy expenditure and keep your home from reaching intolerably low or high temperatures.

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Increase the Heat Only When Your House Is Hopping

There is no reason to squander massive amounts of energy when no one is home to reap the benefits. If you have chosen a programmable thermostat, preset the device to increase the temperature of your home just before you return from work, while maintaining a lower temperature setting throughout the day to conserve energy.

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Set Your Thermostat to 68 Degrees

According to the Department of Energy, 68 degrees is a prime temperature for maintaining warmth while conserving energy at home. Disregard your proclivity for scorching heat indoors and set your thermostat to a conservation-friendly 68 degrees.

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Chill Out Before Bedtime

The Department of Energy suggests that decreasing your home thermostat before dozing can lower fuel costs. Furthermore, a study by the Sleep Neuroimaging Research Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine revealed that cooler temperatures are correlated with greater ease of sleep. Reach REM sleep more quickly and control your energy costs by reducing heat before nodding off.

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Embrace Old-Fashioned Solutions

When the storm outside is howling, don’t simply rely on your thermostat for relief -- get creative with your energy-saving solutions. If your home is blessed with wood-burning fireplace, pull together a bundle of kindling and arrange a roaring flame to chase away the chill. Bundle up in cotton and wool throw blankets to supplement your heating options and create an especially snug setup.

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