Fall and Winter Energy Tips

Fall and Winter Energy Savings Webinar

Watch the fall/winter webinar, hosted by the City and County of Broomfield in collaboration with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy. This session provides practical strategies to keep your home warm, improve efficiency and lower your energy bills throughout the colder months.

Quick Fall & Winter Energy Tips

Why Save Energy?

Small changes at home can lower your bills, keep your home more comfortable, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Residential energy use makes up about 17% of national energy consumption, so your efforts make a big impact.

Seal & Insulate

  • Seal cracks and add weatherstripping around doors and windows.
  • Use outlet and switch seals on exterior walls.
  • Install window insulation film or door draft stoppers.
  • Cover attic doors and basement window wells.
  • Take advantage of free Home Energy Squad Plus visits in Broomfield.

Fireplaces

  • Keep dampers closed when not in use.
  • Seal the flue if the fireplace is unused.
  • Check the damper seal for snug fit.
  • Consider glass doors or a heat-air exchange system.

Heating & Cooling

  • Reverse ceiling fans: clockwise in winter, counterclockwise in summer.
  • Install a smart thermostat (saves ~8% annually).
  • Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly.
  • Schedule professional tune-ups once or twice a year.
  • Bleed radiators to prevent cold spots.

Water Heating

  • Set water heater to 120°F (saves 3–5% on heating costs).
  • Add insulation blankets to older water heaters.
  • Insulate exposed hot water pipes.
  • Install efficient showerheads to save water and energy.

Appliances & Electronics

  • Unplug devices or use power strips to avoid “energy vampires.”
  • Clean dryer lint traps and vents for safety and efficiency.
  • Use wool dryer balls to shorten drying time.
  • Wash clothes in cold water and use low-heat dryer settings.
  • Upgrade to a heat pump dryer if possible.

Lighting & Kitchen

  • Turn off lights when leaving a room.
  • Replace bulbs (inside, outside, holiday) with LEDs - up to 90% more efficient.
  • Clean refrigerator coils to keep it running efficiently.

Bigger Projects & Incentives

These tips are easy starting points—try one or two this week and see the difference in comfort and savings!