How to keep heat inside and cut winter energy costs

OREGON – (Sponsored Content by Energy Trust of Oregon) As cold weather and frost return to the Columbia River Basin, heating costs often climb as well. More assistance is available this season to help keep homes comfortable while lowering energy bills.

Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit that helps make home energy upgrades easier and more affordable. It can connect homeowners with trusted contractors across Eastern Oregon, provide DIY tips and resources, and reduce the cost of efficiency improvements such as windows and heating systems.

Ways to keep warmth inside your home

If certain rooms stay drafty in winter or never seem to warm up enough, some of your heat may be escaping outdoors. Energy Trust offers several options that can help hold heat in and lower your expenses.

• Add insulation. Insulation works like a sweater for your house. When attics and walls are properly insulated, the warm air your heating system produces stays indoors, so the system does less work and energy costs are lower. Energy Trust can reduce the cost of floor, attic and wall insulation by up to 50%. Homeowners can install it themselves or work with a contractor who can help determine the right amount and make sure Energy Trust incentives are applied.
• Seal leaks. Weatherstripping or caulk around doors and windows is an easy weekend project that helps keep warm air from escaping and can save money throughout the season. These DIY tips and video explain the tools needed and how to do the job.
• Check the filters. A clogged filter in a heating system forces it to work harder and use more energy. Check furnace or heat pump filters regularly, and clean or replace them when needed. Here are some photos and tips that show how to locate and clean the filters.

More ways to save energy during winter

• Avoid turning the heat up too high. Small thermostat changes can make a meaningful difference. Keeping the temperature between 65 and 68 degrees while home, then lowering it a few degrees overnight or when away, can help manage energy use.
• Consider a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can adjust indoor temperatures automatically based on your routine, helping reduce energy use. Energy Trust offers instant discounts on eligible models, available at participating stores or online.
• Learn which upgrades fit your home best. If you are unsure where to start, Energy Trust’s free, 20-minute online home energy assessment provides personalized suggestions based on your home and energy use.

For a full list of cost-saving options, DIY resources and local Gorge-area contractors, visit www.energytrust.org.