change your habits with the season

If you are lucky enough to live where there are four distinct seasons (can you tell I like changes in weather?) or even two distinct seasons, the way you do everyday tasks can change with the season.  I’m sure you can think of lots of ideas, but here are some thoughts:

• If you have boiling water in the pan after cooking potatoes or vegetables, in winter you can let the pan of water cool before pouring it out, so the heat from the water helps heat the house.  In summer, you may want to pour it out right away so the heat from the water doesn’t heat the house. 
• Open window shades to let the sun shine in and help heat the house during the winter.  Close window shades to keep the sun from heating the house in summer. 
• During spring and fall, your clothes may not dry as quickly if you hang them to dry. You may need to damp dry them before you hang them so they don’t get sour.  During the winter when the air in the house is warmer and dryer, you can hang your clothes in the house to dry and save the energy used by the dryer.  In summer, if your neighborhood allows it, you can hang clothes outside to dry (and enjoy the fresh air smell when you bring them in).
• Check the temperature on your thermostat.  In winter, keep the house cooler and wear cozy sweaters.  In summer, keep the house warmer and dress lightly.  
• Winter is the time for baking and oven meals, because the heat from the oven helps warm the house.  Even in winter, use a toaster oven for small items or plan to cook multiple items in the oven.
• We turn on more lights in the winter.  Remember to turn them back off when you don’t need them.  ​