With cold temperatures settling in across the state, Energy Trust of Oregon has advice on how people can maintain energy costs while keeping their homes warm and comfortable.

The heating system is the single biggest energy expense in most homes, but there are many easy, low-cost solutions that can help keep heating expenses under control:

• Monitor your heating output. At night, save on energy costs by lowering the thermostat setting. Energy Trust recommends keeping the thermostat at 65–68 degrees when you’re at home and 58–60 degrees at night or when you’re away.
• Invest in a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can help make energy-saving changes automatically, keeping your home comfortable while helping you save money. Washington residents may get an $80 cash-back incentive for qualifying smart thermostats, including popular products from Google Nest* and ecobee.
• Use energy wisely in the kitchen. Cooking more meals at home means more dishes. Make sure to run your dishwasher only when full, and check for energy-saving settings on your dishwasher, fridge and other appliances.
• Seal air and duct leaks and add insulation. The small gaps, cracks and leaks in a typical home can add up to the same loss of energy and comfort as leaving a window open year-round. Use caulk or spray foam to seal small holes and cracks and use weather stripping and door sweeps to seal drafty windows and doors to increase comfort and save on heating costs.
• Use rugs to cover bare floors. If you have little or no floor insulation in your home, covering bare floors with rugs adds comfort and helps retain heat.
• Take advantage of natural heating options. Heat your home with help from the sun by leaving window shades or blinds open during the daytime. At night, close window coverings to help keep the heat in.

For more energy-saving tips, contact Energy Trust at 1.866.368.7878, or email info@enegytrust.org.

*Google Nest is a trademark of Google LLC