Fall for Energy Savings: What’s Your Energy Efficiency IQ?

1. As temperatures drop, what’s one simple way to help keep your home warm without turning up the heat?

• Keep curtains closed all day
• Open curtains on sunny windows during the day and close them at night
• Leave windows slightly open for fresh air
• Turn up the thermostat whenever the sun goes down

Correct!Incorrect! Letting sunlight in during the day can provide natural warmth, while closing curtains at night helps reduce heat loss through windows.

2. What’s a smart way to manage your thermostat during the heating season?

• Keep the temperature as high as possible
• Turn the heat off every time you leave a room
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust temperatures around your schedule
• Set the thermostat higher whenever it feels cold outside

Correct!Incorrect! Scheduling temperature adjustments around your routine can help reduce unnecessary heating. A smart thermostat may also help you save while keeping your home comfortable.

3. Before your heating system works overtime this winter, what should you do?

• Block unused air vents
• Replace or clean the air filter as recommended
• Close all interior doors to trap heat
• Turn the thermostat up to help the system warm up faster

Correct!Incorrect! A clean filter helps maintain proper airflow and supports efficient heating system operation. Check the filter regularly and follow the manufacturer's replacement or cleaning instructions.

4. Feeling a cold draft near your windows or doors? What’s the best first step?

• Increase the thermostat setting
• Run a portable heater nearby
• Open the windows briefly to balance the temperature
• Seal air leaks with appropriate caulk or weatherstripping

Correct!Incorrect! Sealing gaps around windows and doors helps prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering, making your home more comfortable and reducing wasted energy.

5. Did you know your ceiling fan can help you feel more comfortable in winter? Which setting should you use?

• Clockwise on a low speed
• Counterclockwise on the highest speed
• Counterclockwise on a low speed
• Keep the fan off all winter

Correct!Incorrect! A clockwise rotation at low speed can gently circulate warm air that collects near the ceiling. Check your fan's instructions to confirm the direction. Turn fans off in unoccupied rooms.

6. Want to make your home festive without using more electricity than necessary? What’s a good choice?

• Leave decorative lights on overnight
• Use more strings of traditional incandescent lights
• Choose LED holiday lights and use a timer
• Keep indoor lights on even when rooms are empty

Correct!Incorrect! LED lights use less electricity than comparable incandescent lights, and a timer helps ensure decorative lighting isn't left on longer than needed.

7. Looking for another way to save energy at home this fall and winter? What can help reduce the energy used to heat water?

• Take longer, hotter showers
• Set your water heater to its highest temperature
• Run the hot water while waiting for it to warm up
• Set your water heater to 120°F, when appropriate for your household and manufacturer's guidance

Correct!Incorrect! A 120°F setting can help reduce water-heating energy use for many households. Some households have special needs, so follow manufacturer guidance and applicable safety recommendations.

8. Your heating system is running, but a room still feels chilly. What should you check first?

• Whether furniture or curtains are blocking the supply or return vents
• Whether the thermostat can be set to its maximum temperature
• Whether you can cover the vents in other rooms
• Whether you can leave a window open to improve circulation

Correct!Incorrect! Blocked vents can interfere with airflow and comfort. Keep supply and return vents clear and follow your HVAC system's guidance for balancing airflow.