As the weather grows colder in many parts of the United States, EEI and our member companies are committed to helping you and your family stay warm and stay safe. Follow these winter energy efficiency and safety tips.

Winter Energy Efficiency Tips 

• Open your blinds during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your house. Close them when the sun goes down. Cover your windows at night with drapes or curtains.
  
  
• When your fireplace is not in use, close the dampers. Open dampers allow the natural draft of chimneys to pull warm air out of your house during the winter.
  
  
• Weatherize your home. Caulk and weather strip doors and windows that may leak air.
  
  
• Add insulation if needed, especially in your attic and the exterior and basement walls or crawl spaces in your home. In the winter, up to 30 percent of your home’s heat can escape through low-efficiency windows.
  
  
• Read EEI's booklet More Than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill for more energy efficiency tips that can help you save energy all year long.

Winter Safety Tips 

• Prepare now for potential winter storms by making sure your Emergency Outage Kit is stocked with food, water, medication, batteries, and other items of necessity.
  
  
• Ensure that your family’s phone number(s) and email address(es) are current with your local electric company. This will help you receive updated information should a power outage occur during a winter storm.
  
  
• Keep space heaters away from flammable objects and curtains, and always turn them off before leaving your home.
  
  
• Be careful on snowy or icy walkways and be sure to check on elderly or handicapped neighbors.
  
  
• Should a power outage occur, report it immediately to your local electric company. Use flashlights (such as LED flashlights that can be very bright) instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire. Remember to never use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces – including homes, garages, and crawl spaces – even those areas with partial ventilation.
  
  
• Never leave electrical holiday decorations on while sleeping or away from home. Remove and store the decorations after the holidays.
  
  
• Read EEI's Winter Storm Safety factsheet for more winter storm safety tips.