It seems fall and winter always come just a little too soon, and we’re forced to say ‘goodbye’ to our shorts, t-shirts, and long days in the sun. As you transition your closet from summer clothes to much warmer layers, it’s important to prepare your home to save energy, as well.
If you haven’t already, spend time thinking about the impact cooler temps and colder precipitation have on your home: heavy, wet snow on your roof, harsh winds sweeping across your home’s siding, and sharp, crisp frost covering your home’s windows. It’s a big seasonal change, and it can have significant impact on your energy bill.
Here are 10 of our favorite energy saving tips as the leaves (and the temperatures) fall:
- Seal up those windows. While “any season is a good season to seal up the windows,” fall and winter take priority. Harsh winds and temperature dips can pull the warmth out and push the cold air in. Seal up the edges of your windows to diminish the impact of these cooler seasons. The best part? You can do it from inside the house!
- Schedule a maintenance appointment for your home’s boiler and other heat services. Just like you, your boiler and water heater need a routine checkup to ensure everything is running at maximum efficiency. If not, you may be putting yourself at risk for inefficient energy usage, home fire, or other unwanted disasters.
- In addition to checking the boiler and water heaters, remember to also check your air filters. It’s a good idea to replace them on a seasonal basis, as they can get dirty and spike your energy usage. Breathe easier (and cleaner) with a new filter.
- Open the windows. (Well, not too much) Make the most out of our planet’s natural source of heat: the sun. Open your blinds, drapes, and/or curtains and let the sunshine pour in. Harnessing the heat from the sun may help decrease the amount of energy needed to warm your home.
- Adjust your thermostat. Lowering your home’s thermostat is a super quick and easy way to save energy. Consider keeping temps lower in the evenings while you’re asleep, as well as when no one is home.
- Inspect your home’s insulation. It’s easy to look at the obvious culprits when auditing your home’s energy use (e.g. windows, doors, thermostat). But what about what’s behind the walls? In the attic? In addition to sealing up the windows, check to see if your home’s walls, ceilings, and floors could use a boost too.
- Check your fireplace. For homes with cozy fireplaces, remember this can be a culprit of increased energy costs. Be sure to do a thorough cleaning and check to see if any heat is escaping. If this is the case, you can help reduce heat loss by sealing your chimney. And remember- if you have a fireplace and a heating system in your home, avoid running both at the same time. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, consider switching to a gas, which will reduce air pollution and save you on energy costs.
- Unplug unused electronics. Did you know your table lamps use energy, even if they’re not turned on? From your TV to your cell phone charger, these pesky energy suckers can amount to a significant increase in energy usage if constantly left plugged in. Make a habit of turning unused items off, and unplugging them, if possible.
- Use ceiling fans to your advantage. Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better airflow: counter-clockwise will push hot air up in the summer and clockwise will trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer during cooler months. Turn your ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
- Consider switching to solar power. Depending on where you live and your energy costs, using ‘green energy’ may be a better choice for your home. Connect with us today to learn more.
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Seasonal transitions are a great time to do a home energy audit. This video by the U.S. Department of Energy walks through various ways to check your energy use. Low energy score? Just refer to these tips to keep your home warm and cozy this fall and winter!
Still stuck? Connect with us today and we’ll help you get on track to a more energy efficient home.
Like what you read? Read more tips here:
How to Save Green While ‘Going Green’ This Winter
5 DIY Ways to Insulate Your Home on the Cheap
Blame it on the Rates: Electricity Bill Charges and What it All Means
You’re Wasting Money on Monthly Expenses: Five Tips to Lower Your Bill
