Local Expert Spotlight: Winter Energy-Saving Tips from Susan Carroll

Hello Friends,

As winter creeps in (and energy prices creep up), even small home tweaks can make a big difference. Our local real estate expert, Susan Carroll, shares practical ways to keep your home warm and your bills low — starting with a few no-cost moves.

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Energy-Saving tips to take charge of your comfort and your bills.

Small changes add up quickly! Start with a mix of no-cost tweaks and smart upgrades, and you can keep your home cozy without draining your wallet.

‘No-Brainer’ & Low-Cost Energy Saving Actions:

Use sunlight to your advantage
Open south-facing curtains during the day to let the sun warm your space, then close them at night to trap heat.

Seal the sneaky drafts
Grab a $10 roll of weatherstripping or door sweeps to block cold air from windows and doors—it’s one of the cheapest, highest-impact fixes.

Reverse ceiling fans
Switch your fan to spin clockwise on low speed—this pushes warm air back down into the room.

Layer your heat, not your thermostat
Put on sweaters and slippers before cranking the heat. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save up to 3% on your bill.

Window solutions
If replacing windows isn’t in the budget, try thermal curtains or plastic window film kits to reduce heat loss.

Unplug “energy vampires”
Electronics still draw power even when off. Use a power strip to shut down TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles when not in use.

Use smart heating zones
If you don’t have smart thermostats, try simple solutions: only heat the rooms you’re using, and close vents in unused spaces.

Consider a home energy audit
Many utility companies, including BGE, offer discounted or free audits. You’ll learn exactly where your home is losing energy and how to fix it. Sign for a Quick Home Energy Check Up - no cost for BGE Customers, FAQ’s 

Tune up your heating system
A quick service visit or even just replacing furnace filters regularly helps your system run more efficiently. 

Programmable or smart thermostat
Automate your heating so it lowers when you’re asleep or away, then warms up when you’re home. Savings: up to $180/year. Consider BGE’s Rebates.

Add insulation where it counts
Attic and basement insulation can be a game-changer, keeping heat in and cold out. Start with the attic if the budget is limited. Home Performance Contractors with BGE 

Susan Carroll
eXp Realty

📞 Phone: (443) 854-4190
🌐 Website: livinginbmore.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @livinginbmore