Winter brings colder weather that often requires increased energy costs to keep your home comfortable. The plummeting of temperatures doesn’t have to empty your wallet, though!
How to Save on Energy Costs this Winter
There are numerous ways you can keep energy costs down with no need to invest much money up front.
Basic Weatherproofing Can Go a Long Way
Keeping weatherproofing simple can go far in regards to energy savings. Inspect your exterior doors and windows carefully and if you spot any cracks or areas where cold air can sneak in, be sure to seal them with caulking. Also, check the quality of the weather stripping along doors and windows and replace if need be. Preventing cold air from entering into rooms in the first place is a simple and effective way to retain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Be Mindful of Your Fireplace
Fireplaces can bring a lot of warmth to a room when a fire is going, but when not in use, be sure to close your fireplace damper. Your chimney acts as a large window that can pull warm air out of your rooms and right out the top of the chimney. It also creates drafts, which of course, is not helpful for households that want to conserve heat during the wintertime. This simple strategy can save you big during the colder months, so don’t forget to shut your damper!
Upgrade Your Thermostat
You can easily lower your winter heating bills by investing in a programmable thermostat. These convenient and efficient devices can be purchased online or at practically any home improvement store and can be a boon to energy savings in your home. Generally, they cost between $40 to $170 but could save you big on your heating costs. The way this works is simple: when you are not at home, such as during regular work hours, set your thermostat to 68 degrees. According to energy experts, each degree you lower your thermostat you can save 3% on your home heating expenses—and since you won’t be home, the slight drop in temperature won’t even be noticeable.
Just Add Fabric!
By covering your windows with heavy drapes, especially slightly drafty ones, you can prevent cold air from sneaking into rooms and lowering your home’s overall temperature. This also goes for people, too! Instead of cranking up your thermostat, put on a sweater and a pair of comfy socks. Add throw blankets to your couch and big comfy chairs for easy access to an instant boost in heat for those times when you’re lounging around. If you’ve got an extra layer of warmth on your body, you’ll be much more comfortable when your thermostat is set at a lower temperature.
Space Heaters Can Help
Finally, if you have a large home, consider using a space heater to help heat only the room, or rooms, that you and your family mostly congregate in, such as a living room or family room. With a space heater, you can lower the overall temperature of your home by setting your thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 68 degrees, while the room you occupy most can stay nice and toasty with the help of a space heater.
Want to save money by installing a new energy efficient HVAC system? Contact us today to discuss your options.