Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can reduce heating energy costs up to 5% and save $35-$60.

It’s a fact: 45% of the typical Illinois homeowner’s energy bill goes to home heating. Here are ten tips to consider when opening that ComEd bill this winter:

1. Lower it. Turn down the thermostat. In Illinois, lowering it by one degree can reduce energy costs by up to 5%, depending on how your home is heated. Even better? Get a programmable thermostat. Programmed properly and with the “awake-times” in mind, you can save up to 10% off your heating bill.

2. Replace it. Windows in older homes can allow up to 16% of the heat in your home escape. If you don’t have the budget to replace them with more efficient models, at least close the drapes at night or install insulating shutters to keep in the heat.

3. Insulate it. Your attic, that is. It’s one of the easiest, cheapest things you can do to keep your heat in your home. Make sure to maintain proper ventilation to wick off moisture.

4. Caulk it. Seal and weatherize openings, cracks and gaps. This is a problem with older homes, but check around doors and windows, ductwork, electric outlets and switches on outside walls and around chimneys and in the basement or crawl space.

5. Shut it. Speaking of fireplaces, keep the flue closed when not in use — it’ll suck warm air right out of your home.

6. Check it. Get a routine inspection of your heating system. Have filters replaced monthly and keep them free of dust and debris.

7. Change it. Replace older style lightbulbs with ENERGY STAR® rated versions. The lights in your home can represent 20% of your electric bill. In fact, replacing a single incandescent bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs can save up to $50 over the bulb’s lifetime!

8. Wrap it. A water heater blanket will keep your water heater insulated and could save you up to $40 a year.

9. Turn it off. 75% of electricity used by home electronics is consumed when they are “off.” Unplug unused TVs, DVD players, home computers and other devices that draw power even when “off.” Using power strips makes turning these truly off (and on) easy.

10. Gather together. Invite over some friends, family and neighbors. A winter get-together is a great way to spread some cheer — and heat your home. Each guest puts off the equivalent of a 175-watt heater!

While most of these tips apply to older homes that aren’t built with energy-efficiency in mind (like Pulte’s are!), even the owner of a modern, efficient home can find tips here to keep their energy bills down.

For more information or to ask about the energy-efficiency of Pulte’s homes, simply ask one of our expert consultants.