It’s common for homeowners to crank up their thermostat and cozy up with long, hot showers during the cold winter months. So it’s no secret that energy consumption increases when seasonal temperatures decrease!
It can be expensive to provide your home with a constant supply of warm air throughout the season, but fortunately there are some energy saving tips you can use to reduce energy costs. With a few simple changes to your home, you can save energy and money while staying warm this winter.
Here are the top 10 winter energy saving tips to help homeowners save money on their heating bills:
#1 Set thermostat lower
It is a fact that heating and cooling systems work harder in extreme conditions. For every degree you lower the temperature of your thermostat, you can save between 3% and 5% on your energy costs. To ensure you don’t get too cold, wear an extra layer or two around the house and use space heaters.
#2 Heating maintenance
Schedule an annual heating overhaul with a heater contractor to ensure there are no energy losses due to cracks or leaks in your system. Not only would this potentially reduce energy consumption by up to 20%, but it could also reduce energy costs even further, by up to 30%.
#3 Water heater settings
Reduce your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as most appliances are unaffected by such a low setting. You’ll be surprised at how energy efficient this simple power saving tip can be. Annual water heater maintenance can also reduce your energy costs.
#4 Drapes & curtains
Keep curtains and curtains closed to reduce energy loss through windows by 17 percent. Even if you have an old window that isn’t energy efficient, closing your curtains or drapes throughout the day can save you up to 10% on your energy bills.
#5 Weather stripping
Install weatherstripping on all doors and windows to reduce heat loss. Anywhere there is a gap of 1/8 inch or more, you should seal it with weatherstripping to save energy inside and outside your home.
#6 Close unused rooms
Be sure to close all doors in your home, especially if they are not used frequently. If you have a fireplace, be sure to close the fireplace when not in use. The professionals at Wisler recommend sealing air leaks on doors or windows with caulk to save energy this winter.
#7 Smart thermostats
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, now is the time to invest! These small devices automatically adjust temperature settings while you’re away, preventing wasted energy. Even if your energy provider provides energy recommendations for seasonal energy use, an energy saving device can help homeowners manage their energy usage so they spend less money on their energy bills in the colder months.
#8 Close fireplace damper
As the heating season approaches, energy costs will increase. To reduce their energy costs, homeowners should close fireplace dampers when no one is in the house or room where the fireplace is being used. This prevents cold drafts from entering the house and heat energy from escaping the house through the chimney, thereby reducing energy costs.
#9 Reverse ceiling fans
In the winter, ceiling fans should be rotated counterclockwise for optimal heating, as clockwise provides cooling by creating a wind chill effect over an area you want to heat with your furnace. However, make sure that ceiling fans do not blow directly on you while watching TV, as this can produce a cooling effect, even if it feels good at first.
#10 Use sunlight
Using rising temperatures as natural heat is another energy saving tip homeowners can use during the winter months. Although this advice may seem strange, it is actually more efficient to use solar energy to heat areas such as bathrooms or south-facing rooms than to heat with space heaters.
Let Wisler Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical Help Prepare Your Home for Peak Energy Efficiency
If you haven’t already, then schedule a home energy audit to determine the efficiency of your home’s insulation and HVAC systems. Call us now at (540) 685-0366 or search Wisler Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical online to schedule an appointment today!
