The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers a five-part video series to help Illinois homeowners become more energy efficient and reduce utility bill costs during the cold winter months. Heres a list of the videos and what they explain.
1. Heating and Your Furnace
According to DCEO, one of the biggest energy hogs in your home is your furnace. But you can save up to 25 percent on your home heating bill by installing a programmable thermostat, sealing leaky ducts, keeping air filters clean and more.
Video: Heating and Your Furnace
2. Kitchen Appliances
You can save energy and money by doing things like using right-sized appliances, using compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps instead of incandescent light bulbs, washing full loads of dishes and setting your refrigerators and freezers at the correct temperature.
3. Water Heating
Water heating can account for up to 25 percent of your total energy bill, according to DCEO. Find out how to cut costs by insulating your water pipes, using low flow showerheads, fixing dripping faucets and slashing energy use in the laundry room.
4. Insulation and Air Sealing
Did you know that 20 percent of your homes heating loss happens in the basement? DCEO offers some tips on how to minimize basement heating loss by adding insulation in your basement and crawl space.
Video: Insulation and Air Sealing
5. Living Spaces
There are all sorts of opportunities throughout your homes living spaces to cut your energy use and reduce utility bill costs during the cold winter months. The final video in the series offers information and tips on topics such as energy-efficient windows, window insulation kits, curtains and blinds, the proper use of fireplaces and more.
Sources
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Resources.
Keep Warm Illinois, Videos.
