Energy-efficient heating is key to reducing your carbon footprint. Heating the average American home with electricity produces about 4,700 lbs of CO2 in a year (6,400 lbs for natural gas heat).

According to Seattle City Light, an inefficient heating system can waste as much as 50 percent of its energy. There are many things you can do to make your home more heat-efficient, like adding insulation and using windows effectively. In today's tip, we'll focus on some of the easiest ways to stay warm and green, simply by regulating temperature.

Read correctly

Many thermostats don't provide an accurate reading of your home's temperature, and the resulting dips and spikes can make you crank the dial up in frustration. For a better reading, hang a thermometer next to your thermostat, or upgrade to a thermostat that uses vapor diaphragm or electric technology. Place the thermostat in a room where people gather, on a wall away from heating vents and direct sunlight.

Stay at 68

Seattle City Light recommends a constant temperature of 68 degrees during the day when people are at home. If you're used to a much warmer house, gradually adjust yourself by reducing the temperature one degree per day and wearing warm, comfortable layers. 

Don't make heat you won't feel

Keeping a warm house at a constant temperature uses much more energy than heating up a cold house as needed. So turn the heat down to 55 degrees when you're not home and when you're sleeping. With a programmable thermostat to adjust automatically, you could save up to $150 on your energy bill!

Read more about energy efficient heating in this brochure from Seattle City Light. And stay tuned to A Fresh Squeeze this winter for more tips about efficient heating!