As February’s chilly days drag on, we're making the most of them, finding ways to stay cozy and enjoy the winter weather from afar. While staying inside and staying warm, we’re still mindful of our energy habits, striking a balance between comfort and sustainability. These are some of our favorite energy hacks that have allowed us to stay cozy this February, all while making a conscious effort to reduce our energy use.
Insulate
Sealing drafty spots in your home, such as windows and doors, can help you reduce your energy use in the winter and help keep your home warm. Ensuring these areas are sealed will keep the cold out while retaining heating.
Layers Layers Layers
Nothing says cozy quite like layering up in a comfortable sweater and cuddling up under a warm blanket. Throwing on warm clothes, even when you’re inside, can help reduce the urge to crank the thermostat up every time it’s cold out.
Be Intentional With Your Thermostat
Getting a smart thermostat can help you save energy and cut down on unnecessary heating. Even if you don't have a smart thermostat, be sure to set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re not home to reduce energy use for unnecessary heating.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
With limited daylight hours, lighting can make up much of your energy use. Swapping out your traditional incandescent lightbulbs for a more energy-efficient option like LEDs can make a huge difference. You can customize the lighting hues for maximum coziness!
Sunlight
Keep those curtains open from sunrise to sundown to maximize natural light exposure and get just a little bit of extra natural heat from the sun. This can help reduce your energy use, and, as a bonus, those patches of sunlight make the perfect spot to curl up with a book during the day.
Making sustainable and eco-conscious choices does not have to come at the expense of your own comfort. These small changes in your habits can help make you more mindful of your energy use and lay the groundwork for more sustainable practices throughout the year without any major habit changes or sacrifices! Not to mention, reducing your energy consumption can help you save on your electricity costs too. It’s a win-win, you can stay comfortable and cozy while supporting the planet and your wallet!